What is Direct Characterization? (Definition, Examples, How to Use)

What is direct characterization? Characterization is most commonly used in friction writing. It’s employed to help writers depict a visual in a straightforward and comprehendible fashion. Learn everything you need to know about direct characterization in this complete guide.

What is direct characterization?

Characterization refers to the process of describing the physical traits, personality, thoughts, and actions of a character. Direct characterization is a type of characterization used in fiction writing. Also called “explicit characterization,” this technique is used for describing characters in a simple and straightforward way using their physical characteristics (black hair), their professions (doctor), and their interests (an avid reader). This is an effective and widely used literary device.

Example:

• Percy, with his raven hair and eyes bluer than the Circassian Sea, is easily the most handsome boy in the class.
• Eddie was a short and snobby boy.
• Lily was a kind and generous woman.

Why is direct characterization is so important?

Direct characterization aids readers in creating a nearly accurate mental image of the character they are reading about.

Though good authors often urge their readers to form their own characterization, sometimes a plot point may heavily depend on a physical attribute or some other quality of the character.

In this case, giving an accurate description of the character becomes crucial to the plot of the story.

For example, in the Harry Potter series, the physical attributes and charming nature of the antagonist, Voldemort, were instrumental in his manipulation of other gullible characters in the story. This makes it necessary for the author to employ direct characterization.

When is using direct characterization appropriate?

In the English language, direct characterization is frequently used to establish crucial details and provide background information about characters, such as their profession or primary motivations, during their initial introduction.

After this introduction is made, the reader can continue reading with an almost clear understanding of the character’s identity.

An author can use direct characterization at any time while the work is in progress to add new information about the character that becomes relevant to the plot of the work. It is crucial to remember that this should be done in a manner that is not abrupt or shocking.

Direct characterization can also be employed at a later stage in the narrative if the goals or motives of a character change at some point.

Tips for using direct characterization

Using direct characterization appropriately and effectively is a bit difficult for beginner writers. Employing direct characterization can be made easier with three simple tips:

Make use of figurative language

While communicating plainly and clearly can be successful, it may not always give rise to engaging prose. Authors can incorporate figurative language into their descriptions to keep their readers interested. Figurative language is an excellent way to add life to an otherwise dull sentence. It can naturally balance out a flat, uninteresting explanation.

But it is crucial to remember not to use too much figurative language. This defeats the entire purpose of adding beauty to the prose, and the text may appear ambiguous and convoluted.

Do not spoon-feed readers

Direct characterization has the drawback of preventing the readers from thinking up their own nuances relating to the characters. Using it excessively is the equivalent of spoon-feeding readers rather than allowing them to actively participate.

Authors should try to avoid this at all costs. Instead, the readers should be given all the pertinent and necessary information about the character and encouraged to fill in the blank spaces.

Authors can also use a mix of direct and indirect characterization to strike a balance between imagination and blatant explanation.

Use descriptions to heighten suspense

Direct characterization can be lengthy or short, depending on how detailed the description is given by the author. While overusing them might impede the flow of the story, they can be strategically placed at key moments to increase suspense and create a sense of anticipation.

Suppose an author is describing a scene that will change the course of the entire narrative, like the death of an important character or a secret that was kept hidden for a long time.

In this case, the author can use direct characterization to explain the minute details of the responses of each character to the bombshell news. This will create a suspenseful and enjoyable atmosphere for the reader.

Exercise on direct characterization

Consider the following sentences given below and identify the ones with direct characterization.

1. Louis looked beautiful in a soft cream-colored sweater contrasting his brilliantly blue eyes.
2. Anna stretched her arm out to help the fallen stranger.
3. The oranges sitting on the white countertop, bathed in the warm sunlight, gave a soft appearance to the whole kitchen.
4. The kitchen was pristine and spotless after Mary cleaned it from top to bottom.
5. Harry’s music is soul-searching and medicine for the heart.
6. Cathy focused on the spotted deer, unaware of its surroundings, and pulled the thin wooden arrow with a feathered tail.
7. Anna looked away from Jason, her face burning crimson red. She wished the ground would swallow her whole rather than suffer this embarrassment.
8. Jenna was stuttering through the speech, her usual fidgety and scared nature amplified by standing in front of the huge crowd.
9. Little Thomas tried to pull his toy truck through the mud, but its little black wheels were stuck and refused to budge an inch.
10. Steve had a magnetic charm around him, pulling people into his orbit and keeping them there forever.

Sources:

1. Merriam Webster – characterization – Definition
2. Wikipedia – Characterization
3. Yourdictionary – Examples of Characterization
4. Literary Devices – Direct Characterization