A foreground process in Kali Linux (or any Unix-like operating system) is characterized by: Directly initiated by a user.

Here's an explanation:

A foreground process is started by a user from the command line or terminal directly, and it typically runs in the foreground, meaning it occupies the terminal and interacts directly with the user. Commands and processes that are running in the foreground are interactive and may require user input.

In contrast: Background processes are initiated with an ampersand & at the end of the command, allowing them to run independently of the terminal session, freeing it up for other tasks.