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
Example Sentences
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 characterization made in the call vastly misrepresented the scale and variety of documents, including classified records, eventually recovered by the Archives or the FBI. 
Anchorage Daily News, 16 Sep. 2022 Such a characterization, though, erases the millions of Chicanos who consider Cal-Mex their heritage. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s vocal characterization walks up to the border between endearing and too cute, but stays on the right side; animators move his limbs with a happy sense of discovery. John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Littlefield's attorney asked Runyon a series of questions that attempted to paint Runyon as a fiending methamphetamine addict — a characterization that Runyon didn't deny. The Indianapolis Star, 24 Aug. 2022 Abbott contends the poll’s rosy characterization of the project, which aligns with LRS’s marketing campaign through radio and television ads and social media posts, distorts public debate on how best to solve the lake’s problems. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 Sullivan bristled at Galvin’s characterization, charging that the secretary of state must take responsibility when laws expanding voting rights either inch along or fail to pass on Beacon Hill, including during Galvin’s 27-plus years in office. Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2022 Board members on Monday took issue with Riggs' characterization that the client didn't display discomfort with the session. Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic, 25 July 2022 Lawyers for Bannon dismissed Vaughn’s characterization, saying their client was still negotiating with the House Jan. 6 committee when he was accused of a crime. Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 19 July 2022 See More
Anchorage Daily News, 16 Sep. 2022 Such a characterization, though, erases the millions of Chicanos who consider Cal-Mex their heritage. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s vocal characterization walks up to the border between endearing and too cute, but stays on the right side; animators move his limbs with a happy sense of discovery. John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Littlefield's attorney asked Runyon a series of questions that attempted to paint Runyon as a fiending methamphetamine addict — a characterization that Runyon didn't deny. The Indianapolis Star, 24 Aug. 2022 Abbott contends the poll’s rosy characterization of the project, which aligns with LRS’s marketing campaign through radio and television ads and social media posts, distorts public debate on how best to solve the lake’s problems. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 Sullivan bristled at Galvin’s characterization, charging that the secretary of state must take responsibility when laws expanding voting rights either inch along or fail to pass on Beacon Hill, including during Galvin’s 27-plus years in office. Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2022 Board members on Monday took issue with Riggs' characterization that the client didn't display discomfort with the session. Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic, 25 July 2022 Lawyers for Bannon dismissed Vaughn’s characterization, saying their client was still negotiating with the House Jan. 6 committee when he was accused of a crime. Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 19 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see character entry 1
First Known Use
1841, in the meaning defined above