characterization

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The way an author shows what a character is like, through description, speech, thoughts, and actions.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable when talking about the craft: the novel's strong characterization.

   Patterns

   • characterization of someone
   • strong characterization

   The novel is praised for its rich characterization.

   Weak characterization made the villain feel flat.

   Her characterization of the old teacher is warm and funny.

2. 2nouncountable

   A description of someone or something that presents them in a particular way, often a simplified one.

   Grammar: Countable: an unfair characterization.

   Patterns

   • a characterization of someone as something

   The politician rejected the characterization of his plan as risky.

   That characterization of teenagers is unfair.

Word forms

Common combinations

strong characterization

Strong characterization makes readers care about the hero.

direct characterization

Direct characterization tells the reader a trait outright.

indirect characterization

Indirect characterization shows traits through actions.

unfair characterization

He called the report an unfair characterization of his work.

Synonyms and how they differ

portrayal

Portrayal covers how an actor or writer presents a person and is slightly broader than the writer's technique.

depiction

Depiction stresses showing something in words or pictures, not building a personality over time.

Word family

character noun

a person in a story, or someone's personality

characterize verb

to describe or show the qualities of something

characteristic adjective

typical of someone or something

Commonly confused: characterization or characteristic?

Practice

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