Each of us is the result of continuous interaction with the world around us, and our character is not something immutable.

The Evolving Nature of Character

Each of us is the result of continuous interaction with the world around us, and our character is not something immutable. Life conditions, emotional atmosphere, and social environment exert a powerful influence on our behavior and perception of the world. When changes occur in our lives, whether it is a softening of circumstances or a renewal of relationships, we begin to respond in new ways to familiar situations, allowing ourselves to reveal those facets of our character that may have previously remained hidden.

Changes also take age-related characteristics into account. Over the years, we might exhibit negative aspects such as increased anxiety or excessive miserliness, while at the same time developing positive qualities like calmness, the ability to rethink life priorities, and deep confidence in our abilities. These nuances emphasize that growing up is not a fixed set of traits but a dynamic interplay of inner development, where each stage brings its own unique lessons and experiences.

Social scenarios, which we adopt during our upbringing and interactions, play a significant role in shaping our character. These behavioral templates, a kind of cultural program, dictate how we perceive the world around us and the part we play in it. Under the influence of new life circumstances, even established scenarios can undergo a remarkable transformation, allowing the individual to evolve and adapt to a changing world.

Thus, character is not a static trait but a dynamic construct, subject to change under the influence of both external conditions and internal development. A variety of life experiences, changes in our surroundings, and accumulated social knowledge shape us, helping us to discover new facets of our individuality and to live life to the fullest.

How will a person’s character change depending on different life conditions and situations?

Depending on life conditions and situations, a person’s character proves not to be static but rather subject to modifications influenced by both external circumstances and the inner development of the personality. For example, when a person experiences a change in the emotional atmosphere or social environment, their behavior and emotional reactions can transform. One source notes that even small changes in the external environment can trigger a response: “If you warm someone’s heart, they will remove their mask on their own… Everything rigid and dry is not life, but soft, gentle, flowing life” (source: link txt, page: 522–524). Thus, the environment and the tone of interpersonal relationships can directly influence the expression of character.

Furthermore, changes that occur with age also affect a person’s character. With aging, both negative traits—for example, increased anxiety, suspicion, or petulance—and positive qualities, such as calmness, the ability to reflect on fundamental life values, and an accurate reassessment of one’s capabilities, can develop. As expressed in one of the texts: “In old age… the negative traits that were once inherent in the person become manifested in a more pronounced form… But alongside these shifts in character, many people also exhibit positive changes in old age” (source: link txt, page: 1001–1002).

Additionally, the conditions of life and behavioral scenarios learned during socialization form an individual’s worldview and determine their responses to various circumstances. Thus, a person’s behavior is often guided by "scenarios"—typical models that outline how they perceive the world, the role they play in their culture, and how they act in different situations (source: link txt, page: 425).

In summary, a person’s character changes under the influence of life conditions in the following ways:
• Changes in the social and emotional environment can either soften or, conversely, sharpen the expression of inner traits.
• With age, both negative (e.g., increased anxiety or miserliness) and positive (e.g., calmness, a reevaluation of life values) changes occur.
• Social scenarios and upbringing processes shape not only a set of habitual reactions but also the overall pattern of behavior, which itself can transform under the influence of new life circumstances.

Supporting citation(s):
“If you warm someone’s heart, they will remove their mask on their own… Everything rigid and dry is not life, but soft, gentle, flowing life.” (source: link txt, page: 522–524)

“In old age, due to age-related changes, the negative traits inherent in a person earlier become manifested in a more pronounced form. ... But alongside these shifts in character, many people in old age exhibit positive changes.” (source: link txt, page: 1001–1002)

“These schemes were called ‘scenarios’ (script)... scenarios determine how the bearer of a particular culture sees the world from the perspective of his or her role in that culture.” (source: link txt, page: 425)