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 whole point of DC is its ridiculously long bench of characters and properties dating back to the 1930s, most of which being blank templates on which new generations of creators can impose their own characterizations and twists. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

These extraordinary characterizations complicate love over mere pity. —Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024

Meantime is a classic example of Leigh’s ability to bring humor to a darker milieu through idiosyncratic characterization or simply by assembling a gang of goofy guys. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

Critics disputed this characterization of the program. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Dec. 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)