Useful Words and Phrases for a Characterization

The depicts the main presents

author points out the features of … The includes many details.
The prominen description
narrat t
or
characteri reveals
uncovers
The narrator describes a stics. The discloses individual features of a
character's dominant features. author character.
traits.
novel gives
play she supplies
In the course of poem he undergoes a The narrator conveys an impression.
the development.
The character remains essentially unchanged. The author points out the characteristics of …
The character changes his or her attitude. The narrator characterizes the protagonist as
…
uses showin as a presents
The emplo g mode of The provides a portrait of a person.
author ys telling as a characterizati author
method
on.
gives sketc creates
The presen a rough h of the The author presents an ambiguous picture
author ts descrip character. of …
tion
faithful gives
realistic description provides
The author detailed characterization of … The presents some typical details.
gives a author
vivid
The narrator impressive portrayal of … An essential component of this character is …
conveys a
describe
The s a character In this description the author intents to convey
author pictures realistically. the impression that …
portrays
The characteriz … with attention to The narrator is particularly interested in the
narrator es detail psychology of a character.
The author caricatures a person. The author gives a detailed analysis of …
The narrator presents a stereotyped person. This trait manifests itself when …
Possible Qualities of a Character
Opposites
perfectly normal odd / strange / peculiar … / … /
friendly / likeable unfriendly / unpleasant / unlikable
well-behaved ill-mannered / uncivil
obedient disobedient
inattentive / distracted
lazy
intelligent / shrewd stupid / soft
quick-witted / sharp-witted foolish
open / outgoing / frank Reserved/
easy to get along with / sociable tight-lipped
honest / sincere dishonest /
insincere
quiet / calm excited
popular / well-liked not liked

Positive (?) and negative

(?) qualities
ambitious trustworthy considerate arrogant Shy
violent impulsive
brave modest short-tempered
tolerant dignified authoritarian
caring vain Selfish
sensible kind heartless
cautious energetic insolent
reliable stubborn reckless
compassionate imaginative jealous
polite experienced embarrassed
patient hypocritical cruel
Cheerful humble desperate
gifted unreliable
stubborn Faithful proud humorless
gentle clumsy
generous malicious
self-confident impolite disappointed
humorous greedy uneducated
peace ruthless insistent
Loving unpleasant
easy to get along with unsocial, anti-
confident social
Bitter
self-conscious
self-centered
condescending