Describe how the author of “And of Clay We are Created” uses direct and indirect characterization to develop the character Rolf Carlé in the passages below:

Question

The story came to us in his calm voice. For years he had been a familiar figure in newscast, reporting live at the scene of battles and catastrophes with awesome tenacity. Nothing could stop him, and I was always amazed at his equanimity in the face of danger and suffering; it seemed as if nothing could shake his fortitude or deter his curiosity.

The mud was like quicksand around her, and anyone attempting to reach her was in danger of sinking. They threw a rope to her that she made no effort to grasp until they shouted to her to catch it; then she pulled a hand from the mire and tried to move but immediately sank a little deeper. Rolf threw down his knapsack and the rest of his equipment and waded into the quagmire, commenting for his assistant's microphone that it was cold and that one could begin to smell the stench of corpses.

Answer 1

In the passages above, the author uses both direct and indirect characterization to develop the character of Rolf Carlé.

Direct characterization is evident in the first passage when the author describes Rolf as someone who has been a familiar figure in newscasts and reports live at the scene of battles and catastrophes. The author directly states that Rolf has "awesome tenacity," that he is unshakeable in the face of danger and suffering, and that nothing can stop him or deter his curiosity. This direct characterization shows Rolf as a brave and determined individual.

Indirect characterization is also used to develop Rolf's character in the first and second passages. The author indirectly characterizes Rolf by describing his actions and reactions. When Rolf throws down his knapsack and equipment and wades into the mud to rescue the trapped girl, it shows his bravery, selflessness, and willingness to put himself in danger to help others. Furthermore, when Rolf comments on the cold and the stench of corpses, it suggests that he is observant and unafraid to confront the harsh realities of the situation.

Overall, the combination of direct and indirect characterization portrays Rolf as a courageous and dedicated individual who is not only unafraid to face dangerous situations but also remains calm and curious in the face of adversity.