characterisation
    n 1: a graphic or vivid verbal description; "too often the
         narrative was interrupted by long word pictures"; "the
         author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland"; "the
         pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous
         Vermonters" [syn: word picture, word-painting,
         delineation, depiction, picture, characterization,
         characterisation]
    2: the act of describing distinctive characteristics or
       essential features; "the media's characterization of Al Gore
       as a nerd" [syn: characterization, characterisation]