Characterization
/ˌkær.ək.tər.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/noun
The act of describing or portraying the distinctive qualities of a person, thing, or fictional figure.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, a character was an engraved mark or stamp, and the metaphor later expanded to mean the visible marks believed to reveal a person’s inner nature.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kharássein
“To scratch, sharpen, engrave, or make a mark.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kharaktḗr
“An engraving tool, engraved mark, stamp, or distinctive sign.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
kharaktḗr
“A distinctive personal trait or mark of identity, especially in philosophical and literary usage.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
character
“A mark, symbol, or distinctive quality; borrowed from Greek.”
14th Century
English
character
“A written symbol, moral nature, or fictional person.”
19th Century
English
characterization
“The portrayal or description of a person’s distinctive qualities, especially in literature.”