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Yes, buuuut... I'd rather be shown, not told, that the character is "a monster, a ruthless leader, and a good father."

Descriptors work well for more basic stuff (hair color, distinctive physical features, etc.) but if you're going to describe personality, it should rather be done through scenes. So have the character do something despicable, then in the next scene show how he interacts with his son, thus revealing how he is a good father.

Which is kind of what happens in your example of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"... but then, in film & television, you kind of have to show ;)

BTW, regarding physical descriptors, my favorite author (Roger Zelazny) had this rule of only using three when he first introduced a character. Go to the essentials. Add more later if needed, and as needs arise.

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