Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.
What kind of technique does an author use to show a character’s traits through that character’s dialogue?
A. symbolism and irony
B. point of view
C. direct characterization
D. indirect characterization
C?
Yes.
I agree on that one. C.
I agree too.
Yes, the correct answer is C. direct characterization.
Direct characterization is a literary technique in which the author directly tells the reader about the character's personality, traits, or appearance. In this excerpt, the author directly characterizes Harry by describing his typical outfit and his frequently uttered expression. The author explicitly states that people tend to underestimate Harry based on these external factors, which helps to establish Harry's character and create a certain impression of him in the reader's mind.