What is Direct and Indirect Characterization
If the writer, in order to reveal the personality of a character, directly tells the readers his mental or physical traits, it is known as direct characterization. However, if the writer, instead of directly telling what the character is all about, wants his readers to use their imagination and read in between the lines, if he wants them to make their own opinion about the character, by looking at the way the character speaks, thinks, acts and looks or how the other characters react to him, it is known as indirect characterization. Thus, direct characterization is about “telling” the readers while indirect characterization is about “showing” the readers, about the personality of the characters. You may further go to creating characters in a story. Given below are some direct and indirect characterization examples, to make the difference between the two clearer.
Direct Characterization Example # 1
Jane was a beautiful young girl. She had golden hair and blue eyes, which made her stand out from the rest.
Indirect Characterization Example # 1
When Jane walked in the room, nobody could help but look at her stunning, gorgeous face. She commanded attention wherever she went due to her good looks.
Direct Characterization Example # 2
Jim was an honest man. He never cheated anybody in his entire life.
Indirect Characterization Example # 2
Jim was very unlike any other businessman. He made sure that all his clients got what they had paid for.
Direct Characterization Example # 3
Linda was a strong woman who lived her entire life on her own terms, without compromising and without ever being apologetic for anything.
Indirect Characterization Example # 3 Read the rest of this entry »