I would agree, Barry, that character is how you act when nobody is looking. I know for me, when I post in a forum, I am posting as me, not the "handle" I have given myself. In other words, in person or in a forum, you get the same thing with me.
I do think some people feel that no one will know who they are in on-line forums and they feel they can post whatever they want. I' not pointing fingers at anyone, just making an observation.