Characterizations refer to the manner in which an author describes a character's traits or personality. It can also refer to the way a particular individual or group is portrayed in a story or narrative. There are a number of synonyms that can be used in place of the word "characterizations," including descriptions, portrayals, depictions, representations, and depictions. Other potential options might include characterizations, sketches, delineations, or profiles. Regardless of the specific language used, the purpose of characterizations is to help readers better understand the key players in a story, giving them a fuller, more complete picture of the people at the center of the narrative.