What term refers to something that gives balance or stability, especially in character?

The term that denotes something that provides balance or stability, especially in character, is "ballast." In a metaphorical sense, ballast refers to anything that supports or stabilizes someone, particularly in terms of their emotional or psychological state. When someone has "ballast," they possess qualities or influences that help maintain equilibrium in their life, whether through strong values, supportive relationships, or a resilient mindset.

The other options do not encapsulate this notion of stability in character quite as effectively. For instance, a "bane" signifies something that causes distress or harm, lacking the connotation of support or balance. "Counterweight" can refer to something that balances another object or force but is typically more physical or mechanistic in nature rather than addressing emotional or character stability. An "anchor," while it suggests stability, particularly in a nautical context, is more about holding something in place rather than fostering the balanced qualities within a person's character. Thus, "ballast" is the most suitable term for conveying balance in character.