Which condition is characterized by paralysis of one side of the body?

The condition characterized by paralysis of one side of the body is hemiplegia. Hemiplegia specifically refers to the complete paralysis affecting one side, typically resulting from a neurological event, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. This condition impacts motor function and can significantly affect a person's mobility and daily activities, as they may be unable to move or control the muscles on one side.

In contrast, hemiparesis denotes weakness rather than complete loss of function on one side, meaning that the muscles may still retain some degree of strength or movement. Quadriplegia involves paralysis of all four limbs, commonly associated with severe spinal cord injuries. Monoplegia refers to paralysis affecting a single limb. Each of these conditions highlights different extents and patterns of paralysis, but hemiplegia specifically indicates a total loss of movement on one side of the body, making it the correct answer to the question.