How are character strengths related to recovery? A retrospective web-based study of 2087 adults found small but reliable associations between a history of physical illness and the character strengths of appreciation of beauty bravery curiosity fairness forgiveness gratitude humor kindness love of learning and spirituality. A history of psychological disorder and the character strengths of appreciation of beauty creativity curiosity gratitude and love of learning were also associated. A history of problems was linked to decreased life satisfaction but only among those who had not recovered. In the case of physical illness less of a toll on life satisfaction was found among those with the character strengths of bravery kindness and humor and in the case of psychological disorder less of a toll on life satisfaction was found among those with the character strengths of appreciation of beauty and love of learning. We suggest that recovery from illness and disorder may benefit character.