Guide to Literary Terms Direct Characterization

Direct characterization occurs when an author explicitly tells the reader what kind of person a character is. This information can be given by a narrator or a character in the story.

Correct examples:

• “Sam was a stubborn and proud boy.”
• “‘I am a very independent person,’ Sam said.”
• In this case, a character is directly characterizing himself.

Incorrect example:

• “Sam was not pleased when he received a C- on his math exam.”
• Remember that direct characterization occurs only when something is said that speaks to someone’s character traits. Not every explicit description or revelation is direct characterization. 

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