Establish the atmosphere
Describe the light, environment, and scale before focusing on the figure. A coherent setting can make a quiet image more persuasive than an accumulation of gothic props.
Study character through posture
Compare a frontal stance, a turned figure, and a small silhouette. Notice how each changes the relationship with the viewer. The image's viewpoint can suggest distance or authority without explanatory text.
Use symbols selectively
Choose a detail that contributes to the visual idea and remove redundant signs. Repetition can establish a motif, but too many familiar symbols may weaken a distinctive character.