What aspect of a character does characterization NOT include?

Characterization focuses on various elements that contribute to the development and understanding of a character within a narrative. Physical traits, past experiences, and a character’s thoughts and feelings all play significant roles in shaping who a character is and how they operate within a story.

Physical traits provide essential visual details that help readers to form an image of the character, while past experiences enrich the character’s background and motivations, enhancing the reader's empathy and understanding. The inner thoughts and feelings of a character offer insights into their psyche, influencing how they respond to events around them.

In contrast, the settings where a character is found do not directly contribute to their personal development or traits. Instead, settings provide context and backdrop for the character's actions and decisions but do not encompass who the character is. Therefore, when considering what is not included in characterization, the setting stands apart from the other aspects that intimately define a character's identity.