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

This means that the characterization provided by most pollsters, that the contest was a dead heat, were driven by factors that were largely irrelevant. —Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Press characterizations of officeholders seem to reflect this phenomenon. —Roy Brownell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025

It was embraced by the MAGA movement, becoming the physical manifestation of their characterization of Trump as a victim of politically motivated prosecution. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

Ava’s cannabis use is presented as part of her lifestyle, contributing to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something writer. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025

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)