There are two main types of characterization:
* Direct Characterization: The author explicitly tells the reader about the character's traits. For example, "She was a kind and compassionate woman."
* Indirect Characterization: The author reveals the character's personality through their actions, words, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. For example, "She always volunteered at the local soup kitchen."
Here's a breakdown of the different methods of indirect characterization:
* Speech: What the character says and how they say it.
* Thoughts: What the character thinks and feels.
* Actions: What the character does.
* Appearance: How the character looks.
* Reactions: How the character responds to events or other characters.
* Others' Opinions: What other characters think and say about the character.
Think of characterization as painting a picture of the character's personality, both on the surface and in their inner world. A well-developed character is multi-dimensional and relatable, making the story more engaging and meaningful for the reader.