1. A method for specifying a written character, comprising: receiving a selection of a first character shape; identifying a first plurality of characters containing said first character shape; displaying at least one of said first plurality of characters; receiving a selection of a subtraction mode; receiving a selection of a second character shape; and in response to said selection of a second character shape, modifying said first plurality of characters to obtain a second plurality of characters, wherein said second plurality of characters includes only characters containing said first selected shape but not said second selected shape; and displaying at least one of said second plurality of identified characters.
1. A method for specifying a written character, comprising: receiving a selection of a first character shape; identifying a first plurality of characters containing said first character shape; displaying at least one of said first plurality of characters; receiving a selection of a subtraction mode; receiving a selection of a second character shape; and in response to said selection of a second character shape, modifying said first plurality of characters to obtain a second plurality of characters, wherein said second plurality of characters includes only characters containing said first selected shape but not said second selected shape; and displaying at least one of said second plurality of identified characters. 4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said selection of a first character shape is received as an input to a mobile telephone, and wherein said steps of displaying are performed using a display of said mobile telephone.