What term is used to describe an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting?

The term that best describes an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting is "persona." In literary studies, a persona refers to the mask or voice that an author or a character adopts in a specific work. It embodies the traits, emotions, and behaviors that define how that individual interacts with others and perceives the world around them.

The concept of persona is significant because it provides insight into the complexities of a character's identity and offers a way to explore the themes of self-presentation and societal roles. This differs from other options: archetype pertains to universal symbols or themes, characterization is the process by which authors convey information about characters, and identity is a broader term that encompasses the overall sense of self, which can involve multiple facets beyond those expressed in a specific persona. Understanding the distinction helps clarify why "persona" accurately captures the essence of an individual's characteristic pattern of interaction.