One effective narrative technique an author can use to reveal a character's personality is indirect characterization. This technique involves showing the character's traits through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters rather than explicitly stating these traits. Here’s an example:
Imagine a character named Alex who is often seen helping neighbors with their groceries, volunteering at a local shelter, and always lending a listening ear to friends in need. The author chooses to depict Alex through scenes where others express gratitude for their kindness or where Alex selflessly prioritizes others’ needs over their own.
In these moments, readers can infer that Alex is compassionate, selfless, and generous without the author directly telling them: "Alex was a kind person." This method allows the readers to engage more deeply with the character and draw their own conclusions about Alex’s personality based on observed behaviors and interactions.
This technique creates a more immersive and engaging experience, as it encourages readers to piece together character traits organically rather than receiving them in a straightforward manner.
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