What is a primary characteristic of harassment?

Harassment is primarily characterized by frightening or intimidating someone through threats or aggressive behavior. It involves repeated and unwanted interactions that create a hostile environment for the targeted individual. Such interactions can take many forms, including verbal threats, intimidating gestures, or coercive messages that instill fear or anxiety. This element of creating fear distinguishes harassment from mere unfriendly communication or interactions that might occur in everyday life.

The other choices do not align with the definition of harassment. For instance, involuntary interaction with someone may occur in various contexts without necessarily being threatening or harmful. Similarly, engaging in friendly communication or helping someone with personal issues would not involve the coercive or intimidating elements that characterize harassment.