TEXT CHARACTERS COUNT

Hello, again, folk

I Have Text Shape on current layer:

TEXT TEXT TEXT

I select this text. 

I need code to return me ActiveShape.Characters.Count

I try this code:
'MsgBox ActiveShape.Text.Range.Characters.Count return Argument not optional

MsgBox ActiveShape.Text.Range(0, 1000).Characters.Count 'work

On other idea?

Thenks!