Charactering: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word is derived from 'character' which comes from the Greek word 'kharaktēr', meaning a distinctive mark.
• Historically, 'character' also referred to a person’s moral and ethical qualities.
• The suffix 'ing' signifies an ongoing action, indicating that charactering involves continuous development.

Theater and Film

• Actors often engage in 'charactering' by deeply studying their roles to portray emotions realistically.
• Character development is crucial for engaging storytelling; well-crafted characters can evoke empathy and connection from audiences.
• Improvisation exercises in theater help actors practice charactering by allowing them to explore traits spontaneously.

Literature

• In literature, charactering is essential for building believable characters that drive the narrative and express themes.
• Authors use backstories and motivations during charactering to create rich, multidimensional figures in their works.
• Famous characters, like Sherlock Holmes, have become iconic through detailed charactering in books and adaptations.

Psychology

• Charactering reflects how people can adapt their behavior and traits in different social situations, a concept known as situational behavior.
• Psychologists study role-playing as a form of charactering, showing its potential in therapeutic settings.
• Understanding charactering can help in personal development, allowing individuals to explore different aspects of their personality.

Pop Culture

• Television shows and films often see significant charactering arcs, where characters evolve based on their experiences.
• Animated films particularly shine in charactering, often giving exaggerated traits that enhance storytelling and humor.
• Social media influencers frequently engage in charactering to portray aspirational lifestyles and connect with their audience.