I'm writing an essay about an author using a specific literary device to prove their purpose. Is indirect/direct characterization a literary device?

Find "characterization" in these websites and see what you think. Let us know.

http://www2.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm

http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_A.html

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

Yes, indirect and direct characterization are indeed literary devices that authors use to develop their characters and convey their purpose.

To explain the concept of characterization, let's delve into how you can identify and analyze indirect and direct characterization in a text:

1. Direct Characterization: Direct characterization occurs when the author explicitly describes a character's traits or attributes. This technique involves the author directly telling the reader about a character's appearance, personality, or background. For example, a passage saying, "Sarah had bright blue eyes and a contagious smile that could light up a room," is an example of direct characterization, as the author is directly describing Sarah's physical features and the effect they have on others.

2. Indirect Characterization: Indirect characterization is more subtle and involves conveying a character's traits through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, or how they interact with others. Instead of explicitly stating a character's attributes, the author allows readers to infer them through their behaviors and the impact they have on the story. For instance, if a character consistently shows kindness and generosity towards others, the reader can infer that they are compassionate and empathetic.

When analyzing how an author uses indirect or direct characterization to convey their purpose, you should consider the following steps:

1. Identify the characters: Identify the main characters in the text and pay attention to how they are introduced and developed throughout the story.

2. Look for direct characterization: Highlight moments where the author directly describes a character's traits or attributes. Analyze how these direct descriptions contribute to the overall purpose or theme of the story.

3. Analyze indirect characterization: Pay close attention to how characters' actions, thoughts, dialogue, and relationships portray their personality traits. Look for patterns and inconsistencies that provide insights into the author's purpose.

4. Connect characterization to author's purpose: Once you have observed how the author uses indirect and direct characterization, analyze how these techniques contribute to the author's purpose. Consider how certain traits or behaviors align with specific themes or messages the author is trying to convey.

By thoroughly examining the author's use of indirect and direct characterization, you will gain insight into how these literary devices provide evidence for the author's purpose in your essay.