characterization

Noun

• acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture

• the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features
  • the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd
    

• a graphic or vivid verbal description
  • too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
    
  • the author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
    
  • the pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  portrayal , enactment , personation , characterisation , word picture , word-painting , delineation , depiction , picture