Q - what's the difference between char() and varchar()

My answer, nothing, they'll both give you the same syntax error.  They also can both store just one character:

--DECLARE @cr char(),@vcr varchar()

--Line 1: Incorrect syntax near ')'.

DECLARE @cr char,@vcr varchar

set @cr='Ftest'

set @vcr='Vtest'

select @vcr variable,@cr fixed

I'd probably shoot the DBA that would declare a field or variable varchar(1) or char(1000).  Oh, wait, I've got to shoot myself because of that example.