Final answer:
Characterization is the process by which authors develop characters, often using actions, descriptions, and dialogue to help readers imagine them as real people and respond to them emotionally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process authors use to develop characters and create images of them for the audience is known as characterization. This involves the development of character traits through actions, descriptions, and dialogue, allowing the audience to vividly imagine the characters as real people. Specificity is crucial in characterization, as the details about a character's personality, background, and behavior help readers form a clear image and potentially respond emotionally to that character. Writers use a variety of techniques to achieve this, including showing rather than telling, which immerses the reader in the story by providing specific scene details and character actions. An author might also allow readers access to a character's consciousness, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and growth.