Hahmottelu

Hahmottelu is a Finnish term used in literary and media studies to describe the process of creating and presenting a fictional character. In English, it is often translated as “characterization” or “character design,” depending on the context.

The term combines hahmo (character) with a suffix that signals shaping or forming. Hahmottelu encompasses both the inner life of a character—backstory, motivations, personality—and the outward portrayal—appearance, speech, gestures, and behavior—across a work’s scenes and media.

Practically, hahmottelu involves steps such as outlining backstory and goals, defining personality traits and flaws, establishing relationships and conflicts, and planning a character’s development arc. It also covers how the character speaks and acts in different situations to maintain consistency.

Contexts and uses include creative writing, theatre and film, comics and animation, and game design, where it may also involve gameplay-related attributes and abilities.

Typical outputs are character sketches, profiles or dossiers, concept art, and, in interactive media, design sheets that link narrative intent with mechanics. Evaluation focuses on plausibility, believability, and how well the character serves the work’s themes and plot.

Hahmottelu is closely related to but not identical with characterization and character design; its exact interpretation varies by medium and scholarly approach.