What makes a 'combat character'? Options

[FuelDrop]

Now I've been thinking of late about what makes a 'combat character' and how that differs from 'noncombat character who can defend themselves'.

My GM and I both kind of feel that the difference is one of intent. If you build your character around a certain fighting style or combat philosophy then they're a combat character. They may not be any good, but actual skill is kind of irrelevant for this. On the other hand you might have a character who's built around stealth or similar and who avoids fights if at all possible, but who happens to be very good at fighting should it come down to it. They're not necessarily a combat character.

Do people agree or are we in the deluded minority?