One simple but useful lesson I took from a workshop with the wonderful Annabelle Smith, Author of Charley, Whiskey, Foxtrot, was to identify the core elements of initial characterisation used by writers in a variety of texts.
The core elements are; description, action, interior monologue and dialogue.
These elements can be applied to writing fiction more generally.
The Four Elements
Description is the use of words to paint a picture.
Action is what happens in a story.
Interior Dialogue is the inner thoughts of a character.
Dialogue is the words spoken between characters.
After identifying the use of the elements, the next step is to examine how these lay in balance.
There is no right or wrong balance to strike between these elements. Different writers will construct a different balance between the the four elements which contributes to the development of a distinct and unique writer’s voice.