Question

Which of these are examples of direct characterization? Check all that apply.

“Mr. Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation, he had a displeasing smile . . .”
“It chanced on one of these rambles that their way led them down a by-street in a busy quarter of London.”
“‘And you never asked about the—place with the door?’ said Mr. Utterson.”
“This was a hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentleman, with a shock of hair prematurely white . . .”
“Then he began slowly to mount the street, pausing every step or two and putting his hand to his brow . . .”

Answer 1

Direct characterization explicitly tells the reader what a character is like. The direct examples are:

- “Mr. Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation, he had a displeasing smile . . .” (direct physical description)
- “This was a hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentleman, with a shock of hair prematurely white . . .” (direct physical description)

The others show setting, action, or dialogue and are examples of indirect characterization or not characterization at all.