What term describes the way a character is depicted, including appearance, personality, and behavior?

• A. Plot
• B. Setting
• C. Theme
• D. Characterization

Answer: (D)

Characterization is how an author presents a character—their appearance, personality, and behavior—and how readers come to understand who they are. This can come from direct statements about the character or from clues shown through what the character does, what they say, how others respond to them, and what the narrator reveals about their thoughts and feelings. The other terms refer to different elements: plot is what happens in the story, setting is where and when it takes place, and theme is the underlying message or idea the author explores. Because the question asks about how a character is depicted across appearance, personality, and actions, characterization is the best fit.