Words / B2

kar-uh-kt-uh-ry-ZAYSHUN/ˌkærəktəraɪˈzeɪʃn/

Characterisation is how a writer presents a person, or a description of what something is like (UK spelling; US characterization). Character is the person (already in the dictionary). Portrayal is close. Literature essays: thin characterisation needs evidence. Do not spell it with z in UK exams.

Meaning

The way a writer presents a person in a story; also a description of what something is like (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The essay’s characterisation of the narrator was too thin on evidence.”
• “A fair characterisation of the policy would mention the pilot, not only the slogan.”

Good to know

UK: characterisation. US: characterization. Literature: characterisation of. Close: portrayal. Verb family: characterise (already in the dictionary). Quote to support it.

Near in meaning

portrayal

New