characterization

noun

1. 1

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

2. 2

   the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features

   the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd

3. 3

   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