Question

Read the excerpt from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

"Poor Harry Jekyll,” [Mr. Utterson] thought, "my mind misgives me he is in deep waters! He was wild when he was young; a long while ago to be sure; but in the law of God, there is no statute of limitations. Ay, it must be that; the ghost of some old sin, the cancer of some concealed disgrace . . .”

Which statement best describes how Mr. Utterson is characterized in the excerpt?

The author uses direct characterization to show that Mr. Utterson is a judgmental person.
The author uses direct characterization to show that Mr. Utterson is a deeply spiritual man.
The author uses indirect characterization to show that Mr. Utterson is a concerned and caring friend.
The author uses indirect characterization to show that Mr. Utterson is cruel and vengeful.

Answer 1

The third option. The passage reveals Utterson’s worry and sympathy (“Poor Harry Jekyll,” “he is in deep waters”) through his thoughts, so the author indirectly characterizes him as a concerned, caring friend.