* Direct Characterization: The author explicitly tells the reader what the character is like. This is straightforward and often involves descriptive adjectives or statements about the character's personality. For example, "He was a kind and generous man."
* Indirect Characterization: The author shows the reader what the character is like through their actions, words, thoughts, appearance, and the reactions of other characters. This is far more subtle and allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. This involves several techniques:
* Actions: What the character *does* reveals much about their personality. A character who consistently helps others demonstrates kindness.
* Speech: What the character *says* and *how* they say it (tone, vocabulary, dialect) reveals their personality, background, and education.
* Thoughts: The author can access the character's internal monologue, revealing their feelings, beliefs, and motivations.
* Appearance: The character's physical description can hint at their personality or social standing.
* Effect on others: How other characters react to the character in question tells us something about the character's impact on the world.
Essentially, a skilled author will use a combination of direct and indirect characterization to create a well-rounded and believable character. The mix of techniques depends on the author's style and the story's needs. Sometimes direct characterization is used sparingly, prioritizing the more revealing indirect methods to build suspense or create a more engaging reading experience.