Abstract: A method of recognizing a character including the steps of reading sample characters and generating an image corresponding to the sample characters. Then calculating density projections of each sample characters. A primitive characteristic vector is then extracted from each density projection. Compression then occurs so that an optimal distinction vector and a corresponding characteristic space can be determined. A character to be recognized is then read and an image corresponding to said character to be recognized is generated. A density projection is then made from the image of the character to be recognized. A primitive characteristic vector is then made from the density projection of the character to be recognized. A secondary characteristic vector is then produced by projecting the primitive characteristic vector of the character to be recognized into the compressed characteristic space.