Characterization is the literary technique used to create and develop characters in a story. It involves revealing the traits, personalities, motives, and complexities of characters to help readers understand their behaviors and relationships within the narrative. There are two primary methods of characterization:
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Direct Characterization: This occurs when the author explicitly describes a character's traits, providing clear information about their personality, appearance, or background.
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Indirect Characterization: This is achieved through a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, interactions with other characters, and how others perceive them. This method allows readers to infer the character's traits and motivations rather than being told directly.
Effective characterization is essential for engaging readers, as it allows them to connect with characters on an emotional level, invest in their journeys, and relate to the themes and conflicts presented in the narrative.