character-painting

A novelists he is not, after the old fashion, or after any fashion but his own; yet since he has finally made his public in his own way of story-telling — or call it character-painting if you prefer, — it must be conceded that he has chosen best for himself and his readers in choosing the form of fiction for what he has to say.

Henry James 2003

A novelists he is not, after the old fashion, or after any fashion but his own; yet since he has finally made his public in his own way of story-telling — or call it character-painting if you prefer, — it must be conceded that he has chosen best for himself and his readers in choosing the form of fiction for what he has to say.

Henry James 2003

In the former, those most repelled by the revolutionary doctrines flashing out here and there, will yet be struck and interested by the masterly piece of character-painting that makes of the novel a success.

Famous Women: George Sand Bertha Thomas

The most charming part of the character-painting is where the shrewish Lynette, as her estimate of the scullion-knight gradually rises in view of his mighty deeds, evinces her kindlier mood, not directly in speech, but by catches of love-songs breaking out of the midst of her scornful gibes: this is

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 11, No. 23, February, 1873 Various

The Sargent portrait, a masterpiece of vivid character-painting, is a remarkable revelation of the complex nature of its subject.

An Adventure with a Genius Alleyne Ireland

We know no more true and delightful character-painting than that of Rose.

The Continental Monthly, Vol. 6, No 3, September 1864 Devoted To Literature And National Policy Various

The Sargent portrait, a masterpiece of vivid character-painting, is a remarkable revelation of the complex nature of its subject.

An Adventure With A Genius Ireland, Alleyne, 1871-1951. 1n 1920

There is no piece of character-painting in “Quentin Durward” that, for tragic lurid power and insight, can be placed beside the portrait of Claude Frollo.

Criticisms and Interpretations. I. By Frank T. Marzials 1917

'Full of her own peculiar charm of style and simple, subtle character-painting comes her new gift, the delightful story before us.

The Wallypug in London Alan Wright 1910

This last line and a half is addressed especially to Iago who is bent on provoking a fight, and is, I think, the best piece of character-painting in all “Othello”; the born general knows instinctively the moment to attack just as the trained boxer's hand strikes before he consciously sees the opening.

The Man Shakespeare Harris, Frank, 1855-1931 1909