In this document I'll be listing all seven virtues and what each stands for and possible character personalities can be found within them I will then use this to base a character's personality off one of the virtues and then build my character around that very same virtues.
1. Chastity
The Virtue's Meaning: Abstaining from sexual conduct according to one's state in life; the practice of courtly love and romantic friendship. Cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants. To be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, and to all of humanity. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought-through education and betterment. The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
For this virtue it seems to centre around innocence and purity of one's actions whether it be faith to a partner or telling the truth to the world. The church also picks up on people who stay away from drugs or intoxicants and keep themselves healthy but also people who use education to better themselves so they are more productive but not only this they will refrain from hostility and temptation. A character that was to embody this virtue would have to be a character based off purity also with a drive to better themselves but also a resilience to corruption and temptation.
As for practical ideas to do for a character around this virtue I would probably go with a character that was in a romantic relationship to show their purity's for example husband or wife but there are also a great academic like a doctor or scientist who would probably come from a troubled background and so refrain from intoxicants or drugs
2.Temperance
Restraint, temperance, justice. Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practising self-control, abstention, moderation and deferred gratification. Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time. Proper moderation between self-interest, versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of others.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
The virtue temperance is more about being mindful of the people around you and knowing react and when not to by self-control and moderation. Also this virtue talks about someone knowing when to put the needs of others before themselves
As for a character design around Temperance this character would would most probably be a leader who knows when to put the safety of a group for himself and knows when to act and when not to for example a military leader could be ideal for this role states who have learned self-control and moderation through an military career. I think mainly for this role will revolve around the leader of some sorts that knows what needs to be done to keep a group together. Also this figure could be someone of high authority that is mindful of the people around them and knows what action is needed
3.Charity
Generosity, charity, self-sacrifice; the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving. In Christian theology, charity—or love (agäpé) -- is the greatest of the three theological virtues.
Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. Such love is self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love". The love that is "caritas" is distinguished by its origin – being divinely infused into the soul – and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation, and with it no one can be lost.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
With this virtue intends to focus around the feeling of love or generosity towards fellow humans and how the human spirit can be selfless in an attempt to better the world for those around them.
Characters that embodied this virtue would be selfless and wouldn't care for themselves only to better the world around them as they do not think of themselves they only think of others and how they can help them achieve greatness for example people like volunteers who give selflessly for no reward or even fictional superheroes that only act of selflessness to defend others from harm. Also this character doesn't see what it can gain from an opportunity but one can provide from opportunity
4.Diligence
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity).
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
This virtue being the brother of sloth it focuses around motivation and self achievement also talks about a can-do attitude or a positive frame of mind so that targets in life can be met. This virtue is more about the personal goals than showing your achievements to the world in more focuses on what a person can achieve and what is possible for them to achieve
Four characters around this virtue would have to be someone with good motivation to achieve personal goals so for example it Could Be Someone who wants to push their body to the limit and see what they can achieve when they push themselves or it could be someone who set himself a target of becoming the best at something then going out and doing it for example it could be someone who says I want to be the best chess player in the world so then they would go out and train not for public recognition but for personal achievement
5. Patience
Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. Accepting the grace to forgive to show mercy to sinners. Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
Within this virtue revolves mostly around mercy and around how people act when it comes to justice it mainly states about finding a peaceful resolve the problems that violence and showing mercy to your enemies instead of destroying. This virtue gives almost a sense of the moral high ground as in the person will not lower themselves to a criminal but will rise above them to a hero
As for character's around this virtue it would be mostly about a character that shows mercy even against his worst enemies in a character who always does good and does not let any solutions clouds there view of what's right and wrong and will always hold justice before personal feelings
6. Kindness
Charity, compassion and friendship for its own sake. Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment. Unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. Having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
Kindness as a virtue is very similar to the virtue of charity they are similar in the way they show people around you. Kindness though is more about how to treat others without prejudice or resentment the man who they are whether they be your worst enemies or greatest allies. Kindness looks at treating all peoples equal and by this action inspiring others to follow you and to also be kind to fellow human
Kindness is quite commonly found within good characters such as people who may have lost family due to a killer but did not hold resentment for him as a character trait kindness shown someone who always sees the best in people the matter how evil they may seem will always try to find the kindness within people
7. Humility
Modest behaviour, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermeneutic of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with. The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
So with humility the said she focuses on treating others to the same standard as yourself would and also putting yourself aside thinking of always more. Humility is also about having the courage to do difficult things and to take sacrifices for the good of others. As well as not taking glory for yourself but sharing it to amongst the people who earned it. This virtually well teaches being brave and confronting fear head-on
Characters that could subscribe to humility would-be characters that are very selfless and would rather see themselves hurt than others while also being brave and willing to take sacrifices or face fear I think an ideal character that could fit into these would be a superhero or someone that helps people in need and is willing to fight at a moment's notice for someone else.
