Cryptic characters are figures that appear in literature, puzzles, and other forms of media that are intentionally difficult to interpret. The term 'cryptic character' can refer to a variety of different figures, such as runes, enigmas, and secrets. Runes are symbols that have been used for centuries to convey messages, often with magical or spiritual connotations. Enigmas are puzzles that require the solver to decipher a hidden meaning or message. Secrets are pieces of information that are kept hidden from the public. All of these figures are considered cryptic characters because they require the reader or solver to think critically in order to uncover their true meaning.