Would you say Steinbeck uses indirect or direct characterization of the characters? I think it's direct. For example he says, "The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp features," (Steinbeck 2).
I think you're right. That's very typical of Steinbeck's writing -- straightforward. You can read more about this here:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit
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To determine whether Steinbeck uses direct or indirect characterization of the characters in his writing, you can analyze how he presents the characters and describes their traits. Direct characterization refers to explicit statements made by the author about the characters, such as describing their physical appearance, personality traits, or intentions. Indirect characterization, on the other hand, involves conveying information about the characters through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, or through the perceptions of other characters.
In the example you provided, Steinbeck uses direct characterization by specifically describing the physical appearance of the first man. He states that the man is "small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp features." This direct description gives the reader a clear image of the character's appearance.
It's important to note that authors may use both direct and indirect characterization techniques in their writing, depending on the specific scene or character they are portraying. To analyze the overall approach taken by Steinbeck in his works, it can be helpful to read multiple examples and observe how the characters' traits are revealed and developed throughout the narrative.
For a more in-depth analysis of Steinbeck's characterization techniques and to explore specific examples from his works, you can refer to literary analysis resources such as SparkNotes (http://www.sparknotes.com/lit).