sterner
be made of sterner stuff (of a person) have a stronger character and be more able to overcome problems than others.
☞ This expression comes from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: 'When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man'.
2014Daily Telegraph Many people would have given up and just claimed on their insurance but Mr Woodhouse is made of sterner stuff.