Which of the following best describes characterization?

Characterization is best defined as the process of developing and presenting characters in a narrative, which involves understanding their motivations, behaviors, personalities, and relationships with other characters. This choice encapsulates the essence of how writers convey the complexities of their characters to readers, allowing them to understand not just what characters do, but why they act in certain ways and how their interactions shape the story.

Building a fictional world pertains more to setting and context rather than individual character development. Establishing an author's voice focuses on the stylistic choices and the unique way a writer expresses their narrative. Developing themes to convey moral lessons relates to the broader messages and ideas presented in a story rather than the specific traits and motivations of its characters. Therefore, while these concepts are important elements of storytelling, they do not specifically define characterization, which remains centered on the nuanced portrayal and exploration of characters.