Question

When the author TELLS us what the character is like

Answer 1

When an author tells us what a character is like, this technique is known as **direct characterization**. In this approach, the writer explicitly describes the character's traits, personality, motivations, and other characteristics, leaving little to the reader's interpretation. This can include physical descriptions, as well as insights into the character's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

For example, an author might write, "Sarah was a meticulous planner, always organizing her schedule down to the last detail," which directly informs the reader about Sarah's organized nature.

In contrast, **indirect characterization** is when the author shows the character's traits through their actions, dialogue, interactions with other characters, or what other characters say about them, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the character's personality.