Definitions of portray:

• verb:   portray in words

  Example: "The book portrays the actor as a selfish person"

• verb:   make a portrait of

  Example: "Goya wanted to portray his mistress, the Duchess of Alba"

• verb:   represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally

  Example: "The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting"

• verb:   assume or act the character of

  Example: "The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man"