In A Community of Character , Stanley Hauerwas says the story of a community determines one ’ s character . “ [ I ] t is certainly true that we need to be trained to acquire certain habits , ” he wrote . “ But it is equally important to be introduced to stories that provide a way to locate ourselves in relation to others , our society , and the universe . Stories capable of doing that may be thought of as adventures , for there can be no self devoid of adventure . ” [ 1 ] In other words , the character of the individuals in a community is influenced by the story of that community .