Which of the following best defines characterization?

Characterization is best defined as a method that allows readers to learn about characters in a story. This process can involve various techniques, such as showing a character's actions, thoughts, dialogues, and reactions to other characters and events. Through these details, readers can gain insights into a character's personality, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative.

This definition captures the essence of how authors develop characters and convey their complexities, inviting readers to form connections and understand their roles within the larger context of the story. The other options describe different literary concepts; for instance, the struggle between opposing forces refers to conflict, conversations between characters pertain to dialogue, and hints at future events are related to foreshadowing. Each of these elements plays a vital role in storytelling, but they do not specifically address the overarching method of characterization.