word picture, word-painting, delineation, depiction, picture, characterization, characterisation -- (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")
characterization, characterisation -- (the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features; "the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd")
portrayal, characterization, enactment, personation -- (acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture)