I'm not sure how you would define "character defects". I guess if I am thinking about myself, probably my greatest "character defect" would be like like of assertiveness (though, again, I'm not sure about your terminology). It is something about my personality that has caused me difficulties in all aspects of my life. Therapy has moved me well along in correcting this "defect". I'm not all the way there yet, but I'm on my way.

My husband's "defect" was probably his tendency to be "mean" at times when he was stressed. He, too, has come a long way in learning different ways to cope so that this trait is almost gone at this point.

I think I prefer to see these things as inefficient, unhealthy habits we get into. Like all habits, they can be changed over time with therapy.

I have no idea if this addresses your post or not, but that's my take on it.