Read the excerpt from an adaptation of "To Build a Fire.” As he turned to go on, he spat speculatively. There was a sharp, explosive crackle that startled him. He spat again, and again, in the air, before it could fall to the snow, the spittle crackled. He knew that at fifty below spittle crackled on the snow, but this spittle had crackled in the air. Undoubtedly it was colder than fifty below—how much colder he did not know. But the temperature did not matter. He was bound for the old claim on the left fork of Henderson Creek, where the boys were already.

What technique does the author use to characterize the man?

The author uses direct characterization to describe the man’s personality.
The author uses direct characterization to explain the man’s fears.
The author uses indirect characterization to reveal the man’s attitude.
The author uses indirect characterization to reveal the man’s hopes.