CHARACTERIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Characterization is a literary technique wherein an author or playwright presents and develops the personality traits and attributes of a fictional character. It involves crafting and shaping the character in a way that allows the reader or audience to understand and relate to them. By utilizing various narrative tools, an author can provide insights into the character's beliefs, values, motivations, and emotions, ultimately bringing them to life.
The process of characterization often involves the use of direct and indirect methods. Direct characterization involves the author explicitly stating the characteristics of a character, such as their physical appearance, personality traits, or background information. On the other hand, indirect characterization involves revealing a character's traits through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, or interactions with other characters. This method allows readers to infer the personality and qualities of the character based on their behavior and how they interact with their surroundings.
Characterization not only adds depth to a character but also serves to drive the plot and convey a theme or message in a story. Well-developed characters can evoke strong emotions in the audience, leaving a lasting impact on their reading or viewing experience. They can also serve as a means of exploring complex human nature, relationships, and societal issues.
In summary, characterization is the process of constructing and portraying the unique qualities and traits of a fictional character, both through explicit statements and indirect means. It is an essential element in storytelling that enhances the depth and impact of a narrative, allowing readers or viewers to connect with and understand the characters on a deeper level.
Top Common Misspellings for CHARACTERIZATION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHARACTERIZATION
Etymology of CHARACTERIZATION
The word "characterization" is derived from the noun "character", which comes from the Latin word "character", meaning mark, sign, or distinctive quality. The Latin word was borrowed and adapted from the Greek word "kharaktēr", meaning a stamping tool, hence its association with marks or symbols. In literature, "character" refers to the distinctive qualities, behavior, and personality traits exhibited by individuals within a story. From "character", the suffix "-ization" was appended, which forms a noun indicating the process or act of characterizing someone or something. Therefore, "characterization" refers to the act of creating and developing the distinctive features and traits of a character in a literary work.
Similar spelling words for CHARACTERIZATION
- character set,
- characteristically,
- characterless,
- characterisation,
- character actor,
- character witness,
- character printer,
- characterized,
- characteristic,
- Christianization,
- characterised,
- character reference.
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