A persons character is defined according to doing what's right in the absence of rules; according to Thomas Paine, character is much easier kept than it is recovered.
A virtue is a deeply rooted habit that leads to positive moral action. The opposite, a vice, is a deeply rooted habit that leads to a negative moral action.
The four cardinal virtues of moral character include:
Prudence: A "do what's right all the time" mentality, follows a mindset of creating effective means to achieve morally positive ends and demonstrating good use of resources.
Justice: Maintaining fairness, equality, and balance in the treatment of others.
Temperance: The harmony of balancing actions, thoughts, and feelings; being in control and of good measure.
Fortitude: Having strength of mind to act with courage during adversity or at the risk of injury or loss.
