Question

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

Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.

This excerpt is an example of which kind of characterization?

indirect characterization, because it is showing Della’s pride in her long hair
direct characterization, because it is describing Della’s skill for decorating
indirect characterization, because it is revealing Della’s cultural heritage
direct characterization, because it is describing Della’s prized possessions

Answer 1

Indirect characterization, because it shows (rather than directly states) Della’s pride in her long hair—the action and image reveal her character.