Prophets are not cut from a common mold, as if they were so many gingerbread cookies filled with inspired spices and identical communication conduits to heaven. Each is a human being, complete with individual strengths, weaknesses, habits, backgrounds, skill sets, and the like. Beyond that, God raises up prophets to address various issues and to perform various missions. It is difficult to imagine the leadership of Moses and his interaction with the children of Israel being replaced by the solitary impetuousness of Samson, for example. Nonetheless, there do seem to be some features common to the role of prophet as filled by all types of regular and extraordinary people. These are:

1. They were called by Deity, though sometimes that calling came through another human who was in a position of authority. The calling included granting priesthood authority to act in God’s name.
2. Their official revelations and pronouncements are regarded as coming from God and binding on the people they lead.
3. They taught universal truths that crossed cultures and political boundaries.
4. They often addressed social issues in clarifying and sometimes radical ways.
5. They helped to both maintain and reform status quo religion.

Additional characteristics often also included the following:

• A period of preparation for the calling.
• A major weakness or trial to overcome while serving.
• Opponents who did not believe their calling as prophet.
• Both a reliance on and a willingness to expand sacred texts (scripture).

Sources:

Where Have All the Prophets Gone? Scott R. Petersen

The Encyclopedia of Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, s.v. “Prophecy”

The Holy Bible