Overview
About this book
Character is available in the Project Gutenberg source edition credited to Samuel Smiles. Catalog subjects include Conduct of life; Character. This edition retains the source text, including any introductory material and notes.
- First published
- Unknown year
- Language
- English
- Copyright status
- Public domain
- Source edition
- Project Gutenberg ebook #2541
English level
B2–C1 · Deep reading
Character is calibrated from 38,302 sampled words across 13 chapters: sentences average 24.7 words, 41.2% exceed 24 words and 9.3% of words are nine letters or longer.
Explore the B2–C1 level →Sentence rhythm
What the prose asks
Extended sentences averaging 24.7 words, with 14.5% reaching 40 words or more
Vocabulary
What may slow you down
9.3% of sampled words contain nine or more letters and about 1.57 marked archaic terms per thousand words; names and period vocabulary still vary by chapter
Reading rhythm
Medium commitment
Regular chapter-sized stopping points support a steady plan. About 18 calm 30-minute sessions.
Suggested approach
Read with momentum
Read in planned sessions and keep short notes on claims, evidence and changes in voice
Best starting point
Begin with chapter one
The full text is ready with speech, lookup and saved progress.
CEFR-aligned Linden estimate · high confidence · sampled full text · Calibrated 2026-09-08 · Provisional, not an exam certification.
Table of contents
13 chapters
- 01CHAPTER I.—INFLUENCE OF CHARACTER.34 min
- 02CHAPTER II.—HOME POWER.40 min
- 03CHAPTER III.—COMPANIONSHIP AND EXAMPLES33 min
- 04CHAPTER IV.—WORK.39 min
- 05CHAPTER V.—COURAGE.35 min
- 06CHAPTER VI.—SELF-CONTROL.26 min
- 07CHAPTER VII.—DUTY—TRUTHFULNESS.24 min
- 08CHAPTER VIII.—TEMPER.25 min
- 09CHAPTER IX.—MANNER—ART.36 min
- 10CHAPTER X—COMPANIONSHIP OF BOOKS.45 min
- 11CHAPTER XI.—COMPANIONSHIP IN MARRIAGE.40 min
- 12CHAPTER XII—THE DISCIPLINE OF EXPERIENCE.27 min
- 13FOOTNOTES:28 min





