Question

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

"We have common friends,” said Mr. Utterson.

"Common friends,” echoed Mr. Hyde, a little hoarsely. "Who are they?”

"Jekyll, for instance,” said the lawyer.

"He never told you,” cried Mr. Hyde, with a flush of anger. "I did not think you would have lied.”

"Come,” said Mr. Utterson, "that is not fitting language.”

The other snarled aloud into a savage laugh; and the next moment, with extraordinary quickness, he had unlocked the door and disappeared into the house.

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

The author uses direct characterization to show readers that Mr. Hyde is a sinister man.
The author uses direct characterization to show readers that Mr. Hyde has a strange appearance.
The author uses indirect characterization to show that Mr. Hyde is lonely and misunderstood.
The author uses indirect characterization to show that Mr. Hyde is rude and uncivilized.

Answer 1

The author uses indirect characterization to show that Mr. Hyde is rude and uncivilized — his hoarse speech, angry outburst, snarling laugh, and abrupt disappearance reveal these traits through actions and dialogue rather than direct description.