Here's a breakdown of how it works:
* The Author's Tools: The author uses specific techniques to reveal a character's personality without directly stating it. These techniques include:
* Appearance: Physical descriptions can hint at personality traits. For example, someone with a stern expression might be described as having "a furrowed brow and tightly pursed lips."
* Actions: What a character *does* reveals a lot about who they are. Are they brave, cowardly, helpful, selfish? Their actions will demonstrate these qualities.
* Dialogue: What a character *says* and how they say it reveals their personality. Do they use big words or slang? Are they sarcastic, witty, or blunt?
* Other Characters' Reactions: How other characters respond to the main character provides valuable insight. If everyone is afraid of them, it might suggest they're intimidating or dangerous. If they're constantly being teased, it might suggest they're clumsy or naive.
* The Reader's Role: The reader uses these clues to draw conclusions about the character's personality. They piece together the information the author provides and form their own opinion.
Example:
Let's imagine a character named John. The author might describe him as follows:
* Appearance: "John was a tall, lean man with piercing blue eyes and a perpetual frown."
* Action: "John slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming as he yelled, 'I won't stand for this anymore!'"
* Dialogue: " 'You're a bunch of fools,' John scoffed. 'I've got the answers, and you'll listen to me!'"
* Other Characters' Reaction: "The others in the room cowered, their faces pale with fear."
Based on these details, a reader might conclude that John is a domineering, aggressive, and possibly even threatening individual.
Indirect characterization is a powerful tool in storytelling because it allows the reader to engage with the character and form their own interpretations. It's much more subtle and nuanced than simply stating a character's traits directly.