_______________ is defined as a distinctive and relatively stable pattern of behaviors, thoughts, motives, and emotions that characterizes an individual throughout life.

A) A trait
B) Personality
C) Temperament
D) The ego

Personality is the best choice because it encompasses not only behavioral patterns, but also internal cognitive and emotional processes that are relatively consistent over time. Traits (choice A) and temperament (choice C) are related concepts but do not fully capture the entire range of individual differences in personality. The ego (choice D) is a specific part of Freudian psychoanalytic theory, and is not synonymous with personality as a whole.