portray
v.v. to describe or show someone or something in a certain way, like in a painting, a movie, or a book. It is often about the image or character someone creates for others to see.
v. to represent or depict someone or something in a creative work; to describe a person or thing in a particular manner. Transitive — requires a direct object.
The actor portrays a famous scientist in the new movie.
The media often portrays the CEO as a cold leader, but his employees say he is actually very kind.
In her latest biography, the author attempts to portray the queen not as a distant monarch, but as a vulnerable woman struggling with the weight of her responsibilities.
From Middle English portray, from Middle French portraire.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it is frequently used in the passive voice to discuss how groups or ideas are represented.