Synonyms for

Characterization

Verb / ˌkerʌktɜ:ɪˈzeɪʃʌn / Another word for characterization — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The process of creating a character in a story, movie, or other work of fiction by describing their qualities and personality.

Synonyms & similar words

picture characterisation portrayal delineation wordpicture enactment wordpainting personation depiction portrayal depiction representation illustration description portraying depicting representing illustrating depictment personification incarnation embodiment personage persona figure type role part character

Synonyms by register

Formal

description portrayal depiction representation

Informal

sketch outline gist

Literary

limning etching

Antonyms

misrepresentation distortion inaccuracy inaccuracy inaccuracy inaccuracy

Common collocations

  • characterization of a character
  • characterization in literature
  • characterization of the protagonist
  • characterization of the antagonist
  • characterization techniques
  • flat characterization
  • round characterization
  • direct characterization

Word family

noun characterization
verb characterize
adjective characteristic
adverb characteristically

Usage note

Characterization refers to the way a character's traits are presented. Avoid confusing it with 'characteristic,' which means a typical quality or feature.

Example sentences

  1. The characterization of the villain in the movie was very convincing.
  2. The author spent a lot of time on the characterization of the main character.
  3. The characterization of the historical figure in the play was accurate.
  4. The teacher asked the students to write a short story with strong characterization.
  5. The characterization of the alien in the sci-fi book was very imaginative.

Quotes

  • 'I have a character in my head, and I'm trying to create a story that will reveal that character, to show who he is through his actions, his words, and his thoughts.' - George R.R. Martin
  • 'Characterization is an accident that flows out of action and dialogue.' - Jack Woodford
  • 'Characterization is more important than action.' - Fyodor Dostoevsky

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