Characterism

/ˈkærəktərɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The practice, style, or system of characterising; a distinctive feature or characteristic quality, especially in art or literature.

Etymology

From 'character' plus the suffix '-ism' meaning a practice, system, or distinctive doctrine; referring to an emphasis on characterisation in artistic or literary work.

Kelly Says

In the 1800s, literary critics used 'characterism' to praise novels that focused on deep portraits of people rather than plot—it was a philosophy about what mattered in storytelling.

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