Question

Read the excerpt from "The Gift of the Magi."

Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a setter at the scent of quail. His eyes were fixed upon Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read, and it terrified her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor disapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that she had been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face.

In this excerpt, Jim’s character is developed

indirectly, through his lack of action.
directly, through his physical appearance.
directly, through his personality that is concerned with change.
indirectly, through his lack of feelings for Della.

Answer 1

Answer: indirectly, through his lack of action.

Explanation: The author shows Jim’s character by describing his frozen, motionless reaction and fixed stare rather than stating his feelings outright. This is indirect characterization (showing through behavior), and the emphasis on his lack of action conveys his shock or restraint.