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

a?

Direct characterization

The author literally tells the audience what a character is like. This may be done via the narrator, another character or by the character him- or herself.
Indirect characterization
The audience must infer for themselves what the character is like through the character’s thoughts, actions, speech (choice of words, way of talking), looks and interaction with other characters, including other characters’ reactions to that particular person.

Since the author describes Harry by describing his social interactions with other persons, I would think that this is indirect characterization

NOT direct characterization

Point of View

Yes, it's Point of View. Like Chris said.

No, no, no. It's NOT B. Point of View. I'm sorry, that was wrong. I took the test and B. was wrong. It's NOT A. either.

To determine the technique that the author uses to show a character's traits through their dialogue, let's examine the passage. The author provides us with specific information about how people perceive Harry based on his appearance and manner of speaking. This means that the author is providing direct information about Harry's character traits through his dialogue. Therefore, the correct answer is C. direct characterization.