Name: _____________________________________________________ Date: ________________ Class: ______________
Direct vs. Indirect Characterization
Characterization is an important element in almost every work of fiction, whether it is a short story, a novel, or
anywhere in between. When it comes to characterization, a writer has two options:
1. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells
what the character is like.
2. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through
that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character,
including what they think and say about him.
Analertwritermightrecognizethatthetwomethodsofcharacterizationfallunderthedecisionto“show”orto
“tell”.Indirectcharacterization“shows”thereader.Directcharacterization“tells”thereader.
To observe the difference between direct and indirect characterization, read the paired paragraphs below. Each
is written to convey the same basic information. One of each pair demonstrates direct characterization while the
other demonstrates indirect characterization. See if you can identify which method is being used.
EXAMPLES
Paragraph Pair 1:
A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’snewestengineperformance
diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed
was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
B. “ThatEdJohnson,”saidAnderson,watchingtheoldmechanicscratch his head in confusion as the sales rep
explainedDralco’snewestengineperformancediagnosticcomputer.“Hehasn’tgotaclueaboutmodern
electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and
he’dbehappyasahungryfroginafly-field.”
Paragraph Pair 2:
A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination
might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give
the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.
B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue
shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earringsshe’dalreadyprocuredfromheroverflowingvanity.After
ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up
hermind.She’dgivethenavyblueskirtandwhitesweateratry,hopingTrentwould love it.
