Writing@CSU

Writing Guides

Using Descriptive Detail

 

Characterization

Characterization refers to the process of describing the appearance, action, and thoughts of the persons discussed within a text. Characterization is an important part of description, because it causes readers to more fully understand the motivations of characters. Effective characterization works in harmony with setting and plot to make the reader connect on a more intimate level to a text. In order to create realistic characters, a writer should be certain to give each person within the text:

  1. a unique way of behaving
  2. a unique way of speaking
  3. a unique appearance
  4. a unique was of thinking
If this can be accomplished, the text will achieve a heightened sense of believability.

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