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

The film is honestly not as bad as its reputation, and features pretty accurate characterizations in a story and production very faithful to the comics. —Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Those who knew him took exception with such a characterization. —Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 19 July 2025

Meanwhile, McKeever’s defense attorney Raymond Loving denied that characterization. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 16 July 2025

Federal, county prosecutors clash The U.S. Attorney’s Office responded with a brief statement disputing Conover’s characterization. —Raphael Romero Ruiz, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025

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)