direct characterization

[dih-rekt kar-ik-ter-uh-zey-shuhn, kar-ik-truh-zey-shuhn, dahy-rekt]

noun

1. the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct characterization¹

First recorded in 1885–90

When To Use

What is direct characterization?

Direct characterization is a method of indicating what a character is like by directly stating their personality traits.Characterization is the process of making a character (usually a fictional one but not always) seem like a fully fledged person by providing details about their personality. Direct characterization contrasts with indirect characterization, in which the character’s personality traits are not stated outright but are instead revealed through descriptions of their actions, speech, and interaction with other characters.In most creative works, characterization is done through a mix of both direct and indirect methods. For example, the author could say “Amber was the bravest girl in the third grade” (direct characterization) and then later show Amber chasing down bank robbers (indirect characterization).