characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌka-rik-

: the act of characterizing

especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives

the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others

Examples of characterization in a Sentence

The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.

News reporting requires accurate characterization.

The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.

The story has good characterization.

Recent Examples on the Web

The thesis addressed how oral storytelling on La Llorona floated between depictions of her as either a virgin or a harlot and the impacts these characterizations in movies had on Latina identity. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024

The historical record doesn’t support the characterization of the duke as a vindictive monster. —Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Progressive Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders take issue with Kirk’s characterization that Asians in the state are aligning with Trump, saying their observation has been the opposite. —Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024

Those qualities are fully manifested in Close’s finely etched characterization. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characterization

• self-characterization

Kids Definition

characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act of characterizing

2

: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)