What role do attributes play in a Business Object?

Attributes in a Business Object serve to define the characteristics and behaviors of that object. They hold specific information that describes various aspects and properties of the object, such as its name, type, status, and other pertinent details. This information is essential for understanding what the object represents and how it functions within the context of the overall system. By utilizing attributes, users can effectively manage, query, and manipulate the objects based on their defined properties. This characteristic-building function is crucial for ensuring that data is not only organized but also meaningful in its application within business processes.

The other options do not accurately encompass the primary role of attributes. While controlling user access, determining associations with other objects, and representing workflow sequences are integral elements of Business Objects, they fall under different functionalities or mechanisms that the system uses to manage objects rather than defining the objects themselves.