characterization.

1. The representation of a fictional or dramatic character’s traits through description, action, speech or other features.

2. The description or determination of the distinguishing properties of someone or something.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• indirect characterization
• characterization through dialogue

On the page

Indirect characterization revealed the character’s priorities through repeated small choices.

Characterization through dialogue allowed the conflict to emerge without an explanatory summary.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Usually uncountable. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: description, narrative analysis, characterization, contrast. Disciplines: literary analysis, prose writing, advanced general English. Commonness: moderately common.