Learn from the past, prepare for the future
I always believe that the most accurate way to tell a person’s character/values is to learn about his/her past and also observe them in various situations.
Learn about their childhood, friendships, relationships (good and bad).
Observe how they treat different people (family, friends, people of different races/status/background, etc.), how they treat the environment (litterbug, recycles, don’t care about their carbon footprint, etc.), how they value themselves (personal hygiene, dressing, styling, etc.).
I know people change throughout their lives and some, many times… but I believe that their underlying values/character are not so easily swayed.