Definition
Characterization is the craft of revealing who a character is through what they do, say, think, and how others respond to them. Strong characterization makes behavior feel earned rather than assigned.
Example
A nurse who stays late to fix a chart error shows reliability through action, not through a paragraph calling her responsible.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Listing traits in exposition instead of dramatizing them in scene.
- Making every character quirky in the same way so none feel distinct.