CharacterFoundational
Direct vs Indirect Characterization
What characters do tells more than what they are said to be.
Principle
Show character through action, choice, and reaction; tell only what action cannot reach.
Takeaways
- Directly stated traits are weakly held; demonstrated traits stick.
- Reactions reveal more than declarations.
- Inconsistency over time is character; inconsistency in a moment is error.
Overview
Direct characterization names the trait ('she was brave'); indirect characterization shows behaviour from which the reader infers the trait. Most rich characters are built indirectly, with sparing direct touches.
Examples
- A character offers their seat without comment.
- A character corrects a stranger's accent and then apologises.
- A character does not flinch when struck.