Mae West knew a thing or two about characters and characterization.

She said, “It isn’t what I do, but how I do it. It isn’t what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it.”

I believe she was talking about attitude.

To reveal the essence of a character, in addition to actions and words, show your readers the character’s attitude.

Mae will be pleased. So will your readers.