Question

Read each quotation from the story, and then decide whether the author is using direct or indirect characterization.

“Della, being slender, had mastered the art.”

“Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the ‘Sofronie.’”

“‘Twenty dollars,’ said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand.”

“Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in place of a chain.”

Answer 1

1. “Della, being slender, had mastered the art.” — Direct characterization.
Reason: The narrator plainly states a physical trait (“being slender”) and links it to a skill.

2. “Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the ‘Sofronie.’” — Direct characterization.
Reason: The narrator explicitly describes Madame’s appearance and demeanor.

3. “‘Twenty dollars,’ said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand.” — Indirect characterization.
Reason: Her speech and practiced action reveal her experience/skill rather than the narrator telling it outright.

4. “Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in place of a chain.” — Indirect characterization.
Reason: The character’s furtive behavior (looking “on the sly”) and choice of strap show his feelings and pride through action, not direct statement.