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Direct characterization is when an author tells the reader about a character’s traits. It is contrasted with indirect characterization, which reveals information through the character’s thoughts, words, or actions. Direct characterization is often considered less imaginative but can be useful in conveying important information quickly and accurately. Some well-known authors, such as Ernest Hemingway, have used direct characterization in their writing. It is commonly used in nonfiction writing, where space is limited. Direct characterization also ensures that the reader understands the author’s intended message about the character.
Direct characterization is the process by which an author tells the reader something about a character’s specific traits. In this case, the writer simply tells the reader what he wants the reader to know. Direct characterization is contrasted with indirect characterization, the latter being a process by which the author reveals information through the character’s thoughts, words, or actions. Both have a place in the literature, but there are times when one method is generally preferred over the other.
In terms of description, direct characterization is often the easiest thing for most writers to do. Many critics and teachers also consider it less imaginative and boring than indirect characterization. However, the choice as to which technique to use is often an individual preference of the writer. It may also depend on the general tone of the prose and what the author feels is most important to convey at that particular point.
For example, direct characterization would be an author telling readers that a character abuses animals for no reason. The indirect characterization would describe the individual kicking a puppy as it walks down a sidewalk, and perhaps later being questioned by other characters about his motives. In both cases, the reader is left with information about how the person feels about animals. In the latter case, the writing can be more descriptive, but also generally requires more words and more time.
While direct characterization may not be the most popular literary tool at the moment, some well-known authors have used it. Ernest Hemingway, who often wrote in a minimalist style and was not known for wasting words, made use of this type of characterization very often. This allowed Hemingway to write in a truly unique style characterized by short, direct, active vocal phrases.
Outside of literary writing, this type of characterization is often used in nonfiction writing, especially in newspaper and magazine writing. In such writings, the main point is to convey as much information in as little space as possible. Therefore, indirect characterization can take up a lot of unnecessary space. Some journalists may only use indirect characterization when writing a feature story where they give more literary freedom and use a more narrative style.
The other benefit of direct characterization is that it doesn’t give the reader a chance to misinterpret what the author wants the reader to understand about the character. In some cases, a reader may get the wrong idea or interpret that a thought was based on a misunderstanding or that an action was probably a mistake. When the author is telling the reader directly, there is little chance of that happening.
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