What is the term for the distinct mental and moral qualities of an individual?

The term that captures the distinct mental and moral qualities of an individual is character. Character refers to the unique combination of traits, values, beliefs, and ethical standards that define how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It encompasses the principles that guide an individual's decisions and actions, reflecting their integrity and moral stance.

In contrast, identity refers to how a person perceives themselves and the various roles they occupy in society, which can include aspects like cultural background, gender, and personal experiences. Personality, on the other hand, is more about the patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that make each person unique, often influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Reputation involves how others perceive an individual based on their actions, which can be shaped by character but does not represent the internal qualities themselves.

Thus, character is the most fitting term for the distinct mental and moral qualities of an individual, as it encompasses the ethical dimensions that define who a person is at their core.