What characteristic is most commonly associated with a peasant?

The most commonly associated characteristic of a peasant is that they are typically a laborer on a farm owned by someone else. Peasants historically have been part of an agrarian society, often working the land to produce food and other goods, primarily for subsistence. This role reflects the socio-economic structure where land ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority of the population works the land as tenants or laborers.

This arrangement is a key aspect of feudal systems, where peasants would often be tied to the land they worked, contributing labor in exchange for protection and the right to cultivate certain plots for their family's sustenance. This characteristic signifies the social and economic challenges peasants faced, such as limited resources and power.

In contrast, the other options represent roles that involve higher social status and ownership, such as wealthy landowners, trade experts, and advisors to emperors, which do not align with the typical life and conditions experienced by peasants.