Check Your Understanding 2: Characterization

Instructions: Read the sentences carefully. Decide whether it is an example of Direct Characterization or Indirect Characterization. Then explain your answer briefly.

1. Anthony is a selfish and rude boy who only thinks of himself.
Type:
Why:

2. Jam quietly gave her only jacket to a shivering stranger on the street.
Type:
Why:

The first example is direct characterization as it explicitly describes Anthony as selfish and rude. The second example is indirect characterization because it shows Jam's kindness through her action of giving away her only jacket. This distinction helps us recognize how characterization can be delivered through different methods.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04

To understand the difference between direct and indirect characterization, it's important to know their definitions:

Direct characterization occurs when the author directly tells the reader what a character is like. This involves straightforward statements like 'She is kind' or 'He is selfish.'

Indirect characterization reveals a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, speech, appearance, and how other characters react to them, allowing the reader to infer what the character is like.


Now, let's analyze the sentences:

Anthony is a selfish and rude boy who only thinks of himself.

Type: Direct Characterization
Why: The author directly states that Anthony is selfish and rude. There is no action or dialogue described from which the reader must infer his character traits; instead, they are plainly communicated.


Jam quietly gave her only jacket to a shivering stranger on the street.

Type: Indirect Characterization
Why: This sentence shows Jam's character through her actions. By giving her jacket to a stranger, the reader can infer that Jam is kind and selfless. The author does not outright state these traits; instead, they are implied through her behavior.

Answered by DanielJosephParker | 2025-07-06