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

Unfortunately, that visual sensibility is still tied to some rather cheap-looking CGI, and that’s not even getting into the god-awful script and characterizations. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026

The action gives the relationship higher stakes, and the emotional resonance of the characterizations ratchets up the intensity once the action kicks in. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2026

But Ramirez pushed back against that characterization in a recent interview with this news organization. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Noem characterized the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism, even though videos contradicted her characterization of the events. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characterization

• self-characterization

Rhymes for characterization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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)