Characterization is how a writer reveals what a character is like in a story. Instead of simply stating “Sarah was brave,” an author uses characterization to show Sarah's bravery through her actions, words, thoughts, and how others react to her.

Writers use several techniques for characterization. They might describe how a character looks or acts: a character who fidgets constantly and avoids eye contact reveals something different than one who stands tall and speaks clearly. They show what characters say and how they say it: does someone speak kindly or sarcastically? They reveal characters' private thoughts and feelings. And they show how other characters respond: if everyone in school avoids sitting near someone at lunch, that tells you something important.

Good characterization makes characters feel like real people with depth and complexity. When you read about Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables, her characterization comes through in her dramatic speeches, her vivid imagination, and her tendency to get into trouble while trying to do good. You learn who she is through what she does and says, with the author building her piece by piece.

When a teacher discusses characterization in your English class, they're asking you to notice how the author built that character and made them memorable.