Direct characterization is a) stated directly in the narration of the text b) implied by the author through dialogue, action, and words c) inferred by the reader based on the clues provided d) the character's motivation and the conflicts that get in the way

A) stated directly in the narration of the text

Since direct characterization occurs when the author explicitly states character traits in the text, A is the correct answer.
B and C basically mean the same thing, and they're both wrong, as they are the opposite of A.
D is wrong because it doesn't really answer the question.

Hope this helps.