Would you say Steinbeck uses indirect or direct characterization of the characters? I think it's direct. For example he says, "The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp features," (Steinbeck 2).

Question

I think you're right. That's very typical of Steinbeck's writing -- straightforward. You can read more about this here:

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit

=)