Direct and Indirect Characterization Direct Characterization is when the author tells you about a person, loud and clear.
Example: His hands were hard, with broad fingers and nails as thick and ridges as little clam
shells. The space between thumb and forefinger and the hams of his hands were shiny with
callus
Indirect Characterization is when you figure out what a character is like through dialogue,
actions, thoughts, effect on other characters, and looks
Example: Jeff walked up to Mark and took his sandwich off of his plate. He took a bite, smirked
at Mark, and then walked away.
You can make a decision on what Jeff is like by what he did to Mark and by his look (the smirk
on his face.)
Is the following an example of direct or indirect characterization?
Text: Down at the bottom of the hill Mother's younger brother boarded the streetcar and rode to
the end of the line. He was a lonely, withdrawn young man with a blond moustache, and was thought
to be having difficulty finding himself.