Characters is a solo album by guitarist John Abercrombie, recorded in May 1977 and released on ECM Records in May of the following year.

[2] The AllMusic review by Robert Taylor stated: "Abercrombie makes excellent use of space within both his compositions and solos.

"[3] The Penguin Guide to Jazz gave the album 3½ stars, stating, "Characters was Abercrombie's most overt manifesto and calling-card, a demonstration of styles and moods and, even at this point in his career, influences too.

"[4] The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide called the album "a tremendous solo display of Abercrombie's acoustic/electric guitar and mandolin playing.

"[5] All tracks are written by John Abercrombie