Can you help me with an English essay assignment that I don't understand because the assignment says "I believe" but my teacher says "character"?I...

Your confusion stems from the use and meaning of the word
"character." In literature, "character" refers to an imaginary individual written about
in a work of fiction. This character has traits that can be analyzed; emotional,
psychological, and/or cognitive growth that can be developed; and attributes and
physical qualities that can be described. However,
"character" has another meaning and this is the one at play
in your assignment. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines this use of " title="Character. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary"
href="http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/character">character"
as being the personal qualities an individual possess. Examples would be how you respond
to danger; to praise; to friendship; to pressure etc. This is often referred to as inner
character or character traits or even inner character traits. The instructions for your
essay are to write your own version of Holmberg's essay in which she is prompted by an
offhand remark to examine her inner character and come to some new conclusions about
herself and how she understands herself.

What you are asked
to do is write under "I believe" or "I doubt" a conclusion or understanding you have
come to as a result of some event, remark, influence, epiphany, person's experience,
etc. Then you are asked to think of the originating event that led to or precipitated
this awakening of knowledge, understanding, or doubt. For comparison, Holmberg tells the
event that affected her conclusions and understanding about herself, then tells what her
new conclusions and understandings are. She ends with a "brainstorming" list of what
might have been the catalyst for the changes in herself: "Maybe it was the impact of my
grandfather’s death, or my high expectations, knowledge and experience which is gained
with time." In summary, read "Spend a few minutes discerning the values, attitudes, and
doubts that may serve to define your character" as "Spend a few minutes discerning the
values, attitudes, and doubts that may serve to define your inner
character traits."