noun (n)

• a graphic or vivid verbal description(noun.communication)

  Example:
  The pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters.
  

  Synonym:
  characterisation, delineation, depiction, picture, word picture, word-painting
  

  source: wordnet30
• the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features(noun.communication)

  Example:
  The media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd.
  

  Synonym:
  characterisation
  

  source: wordnet30
• acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  enactment, personation, portrayal
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act or process of characterizing.(noun)

  source: webster1913