Provided are an apparatus and method for inputting characters in a portable terminal. The method for inputting characters in a portable terminal includes the steps of: performing a soft keyboard when in a character input mode; recognizing a character touched on the soft keyboard; displaying the recognized character enlarged and displaying one or more recommended words formed by combining characters which have been touched so far in a predetermined screen area; and inputting the character displayed enlarged to a main screen area upon detecting the release of touch.