word-painting vs characterization

word-painting and characterization both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
word-painting	Yes	No	No	No
characterization	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, word-painting and characterization are synonyms defined as:

word-painting and characterization: a graphic or vivid verbal description

Other synonyms of word-painting include characterisation, delineation, depiction, picture, word picture.

word-painting (noun)	characterization (noun)
a graphic or vivid verbal description	acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture
	a graphic or vivid verbal description
	the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features