Here's a breakdown:
* Direct characterization: The author explicitly tells you what a character is like. Examples: "He was a kind and gentle man." "She was a brilliant scientist."
* Indirect characterization: The author provides clues through the character's:
* Actions: What the character does reveals their personality.
* Speech: Their words and how they speak can tell you about their attitude, intelligence, etc.
* Thoughts: The character's internal thoughts and feelings provide insights into their personality.
* Appearance: Physical descriptions can sometimes hint at character traits.
* Interactions with others: How they treat other characters can reveal their personality and values.
By leaving it to the reader to infer, indirect characterization allows for richer, more complex, and multi-faceted characters. It also engages the reader's imagination and encourages active reading.