the way that people are represented in a film, play, or book so that they seem real and natural

The plots in her books are very strong but there's almost no characterization. 她写的书情节性很强，可是几乎没有对人物的塑造。

The film's characterization of the artist as a complete drunk has annoyed a lot of people. 这部电影将那位艺术家塑造成一个彻头彻尾的酒鬼，使得许多人感到不快。

the way in which something is described by stating its main qualities