characterisation

[ˌkærɪktərə'zeɪʃən]

1. a graphic or vivid verbal description;: "too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures"; "the author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland"; "the pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters"

2. the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features;: "the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd"