Meaning & use
characterization
The way a writer creates and develops a character's personality, traits, and motivations in a story.
See it in a sentence
Critics praised the novel's rich characterization, especially the flawed but sympathetic narrator.
Strong characterization made the villain feel more human than a simple stereotype.
A note on using this word
Characterization can occur directly, through description, or indirectly, through a character's actions and dialogue.
Words with a similar meaning
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