1.characterize作“以…为特征”解时,常用于被动结构; 作“描述,描绘”解时，常用于“characterize+n./pron.+as n./adj.”结构。
2.characterize在英式英语中又作characterise。

用作及物动词
▲S+～+n./pron.
An interest in people's deepest feelings characterizes all her writings.关注人们内心最深处的感情是她所有著作的特征。
◇ 用于be ～ed结构
The education system there is characterized by an emphasis on success in exams.那里的教育制度以强调考试成绩为特征。
用作宾补动词
▲S+～+n./pron.+as n./adj.
The author characterized the central figure as a weakling.作者把故事中的主人公描绘成一个软弱的人。
◇ 用于be ～ed结构
The wolf is characterized as a cunning and savage beast in many stories.在许多故事里狼都被描绘成一种狡猾和残酷的动物。