Since Ian Fleming defined James Bond by the Rolex on his wrist, many of our most popular literary heroes have been characterised as much by the products they use as by the lines they say.
No wonder the refugee crisis has been characterised as the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of modern times.
In politics, he has been characterised as a poacher who eventually became gamekeeper.
Cultures where bullying flourishes have been characterised as competitive, adversarial and politicised.
For years, and with some justification, Ukip has been characterised as the party of the grumpy.
Miles has often been characterised as a dove for not voting for higher rates nor expressing concern over loose policy.
Known affectionately among Tory advisers as "Big Phil", he has been characterised as a safe and boring pair of hands.
The fact that this particular man has long been characterised as tremendously powerful only adds to the mirth.
The scramble for global commercial deals has long been characterised as an arms race between the biggest clubs in Europe.
How strange she had been characterised as a street-smart girl yet was unable to resist Mr Kidder's advances.
Set in 1955, Yates's trenchant and heart-rending book has been characterised as the Madame Bovary of Eisenhower's America.
