Direct/Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization is when the author tells you exactly what a character looks like, such as their physical appearance. Indirect characterization is when the author tells you what the character does, thinks, feels, and says, but lets you draw your own conclusion.

Direct characterization

5’8 (p.4)

Wiry (p.4)

24 years old (p.4)

Nearsighted (p.17)

Sensitive good looks (p.16)

Horsey teeth (p.17)

Wears horn rimmed glasses- (p.17)

Indirect Characterization

Determined (p.18)

Set high Standards—always finished a job (p.18)

Hard Worker—mucking rotten grain and dead rats out of a hole (p.18)

Intelligent—used big words in conversation with Gallien (p.5)

Stubborn—does not get deterred when Gallien gives him reasons not to go on the trip (p.6. When Gallien says that his gun would not kill a bear he says, “I’ll climb a tree.”)

Ready for anything—“He could not wait to head out there and get started.” He was really excited to start his trip

Does not care what people think—“How I feed myself is none of the governments business.”

Chris seems carefree and really happy about his journey. He also seems very determined and he doesn't back down to the predicaments that occurs on his journey; he just accepts them and works with them.