This term is used frequently in A.A. Character is the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person from another, especially a distinguishing feature or attribute. In A.A., however, character usually refers to one's moral or ethical strength. It describes a person's attributes, traits, or abilities. The end results of these defects, of course, can lead to getting caught, or, even if we don't, not being able to hang onto ill-gotten goods. The format of Step four in the Big Book offers a useful opportunity to explore several links in the behavioral chain.
Fears stem from motivation through experience in being thwarted or harms received.
Step five provides us with the insight of God and another human being to bring truth into our understanding the real underlying factors, links, in our feelings and actions. When we leave our Step five we have a list of our defects of character. A wareness . Until we admit awareness of a problem or a character defect, we cannot possibly let it go. Steps 4 and 5 apply here.