Character evidence can be offered as substantive evidence to prove what?

Character evidence can indeed be offered as substantive evidence in situations where character is the ultimate issue in a case. This typically occurs in cases where a person's character traits are essential to resolving the specific factual determinations of the case. For example, in defamation cases, a person's character may be at the forefront, and the introduction of character evidence becomes relevant and permissible to determine the truth of claims made about that individual's character.

In contrast, the second option regarding motivation behind actions involves a different consideration of evidence. While motive is an important aspect within the broad spectrum of criminal law and can influence a jury's perception, it does not fall under the direct application of character evidence as a primary substantive element unless character traits specifically relate to the motivation in question. Therefore, character evidence is primarily relevant when the character itself is directly tied to the legal issues at stake, which validates the selection stated in the correct answer.