Which option shows direct characterization?

Which option shows direct characterization?

• A. The character's actions show they are cautious.
• B. The narrator explicitly states that the character is cautious and thoughtful.
• C. The character's thoughts reveal their worries.
• D. The character's appearance suggests shyness.

Answer: (B)

Direct characterization is when the author tells you exactly what a character is like. In this case, the sentence that says the character is cautious and thoughtful provides that direct statement from the narrator, so you don’t have to infer it. The other options show traits through what the character does, thinks, or looks like—actions, inner thoughts, and appearance—so those require you to deduce the personality rather than having it stated outright. This explicit description is what makes it direct characterization.

Direct characterization is when the author tells you exactly what a character is like. In this case, the sentence that says the character is cautious and thoughtful provides that direct statement from the narrator, so you don’t have to infer it. The other options show traits through what the character does, thinks, or looks like—actions, inner thoughts, and appearance—so those require you to deduce the personality rather than having it stated outright. This explicit description is what makes it direct characterization.