Characterization Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Characterization is the way an author describes and develops a character in a story, showing their personality, actions, and thoughts. It can also mean the process of describing the qualities of something or someone.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used in literature, theater, or film analysis. Common collocations: 'strong characterization,' 'subtle characterization.' Can refer to people, fictional characters, or things. Not the same as 'character' (the person/role) or 'characteristic' (trait).

• Spanish: caracterización - representación (de personaje)
• Portuguese (BR): caracterização - descrição (de personagem)
• Portuguese (PT): caracterização - retrato (de personagem)
• Chinese (Simplified): 人物塑造 - 描述 (角色)
• Chinese (Traditional): 人物塑造 - 描述 (角色)
• Hindi: चरित्र चित्रण - पात्र का वर्णन
• Arabic: تَصوير الشخصيات - وصف (الشخصية)
• Bengali: চরিত্রায়ন - বর্ণনা (একজনের বৈশিষ্ট্য নিয়ে)
• Russian: характеристика - характеристика персонажа
• Japanese: キャラクタリゼーション - 性格描写
• Vietnamese: khắc họa nhân vật - đặc tả (miêu tả đặc điểm)
• Korean: 성격 묘사 - 특징 묘사
• Turkish: karakterizasyon - betimleme (özelliklerini anlatma)
• Urdu: کردار نگاری - خصوصیات کی وضاحت
• Indonesian: penokohan - karakterisasi

Example Sentences

The author's characterization of the hero made him very believable.

basic

Critics praised the movie’s powerful characterization, saying every character felt real.

natural

There’s something off about his characterization of the main character—it just doesn’t fit.

natural

Beyond books, characterization can also refer to describing the features of a material in science.

natural

Good characterization helps readers understand the story better.

basic

Her characterization of the villain was very detailed.

basic