characterization
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characterization
The description and presentation of the qualities, features, and character traits of a person or literary character.
Für den Deutschunterricht müssen wir eine Charakterisierung der Hauptfigur des Romans anfertigen.
For German class, we have to write a characterization of the novel's main character.
The word ends in '-ung'. Nouns with this ending are always feminine in German, so they take the article 'die'. They are usually derived from a verb, here from 'charakterisieren' (to characterize).
Die Charakterisierung der Figur war sehr detailliert.
The characterization of the character was very detailed.
'Charakterisierung' (characterization) belongs to a word family. If you know 'der Charakter' (the person or their qualities) and the verb 'charakterisieren' (to describe/characterize), you can infer the meaning more easily.
Um die Figur zu charakterisieren, muss man ihren Charakter genau analysieren.
To characterize the character, you have to analyze their character closely.
In a school or academic context, this word is often combined with verbs such as 'schreiben' (to write), 'anfertigen' (to produce/prepare), or 'verfassen' (to compose). A distinction is also made between 'direkter' (direct) and 'indirekter' (indirect) characterization.
Als Hausaufgabe sollen wir eine Charakterisierung von Hamlet schreiben.
For homework, we are supposed to write a characterization of Hamlet.
To say who is being characterized, you usually use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative or 'über' followed by the accusative.
Ich lese gerade eine Charakterisierung von der Hauptfigur.
I'm currently reading a characterization of the main character.
presentation / portrayal
'Darstellung' and 'Charakterisierung' can both describe how a person or character is shown. 'Darstellung' is broader: it can refer to the presentation of a topic or to the way an actor plays a role. 'Charakterisierung' is more specific and means the description of a person's or literary character's qualities, behavior, and nature. The words can be confused especially in class or in texts about characters. When it is about a character's traits, 'Charakterisierung' fits better. When it is more generally about the way something is shown, 'Darstellung' is more natural.
In der Charakterisierung beschreibt Lisa, warum die Hauptfigur so misstrauisch ist.
In the characterization, Lisa describes why the main character is so mistrustful.
Die Darstellung des Vaters im Film wirkt streng, aber nicht kalt.
The portrayal of the father in the film seems strict, but not cold.