Direct characterization is illustrated by which statement?

• A. When readers infer traits from actions.
• B. When the narrator reveals inner thoughts.
• C. When the narrator directly states a character's trait.
• D. When the plot reveals a theme.

Answer: (C)

Direct characterization is when the author tells you a character’s personality traits outright. The statement that the narrator directly states a trait does this most clearly, because it gives you the trait in explicit terms—no need to infer from what the character does or thinks. For example, if the narrator says, “She is brave and honest,” you already know those qualities.

When traits are shown through actions, speech, or thoughts, that’s indirect characterization—you infer the personality from clues in the story. So while inner thoughts or actions can reveal traits, they don’t label them outright, which is why direct stating of the trait is the clearest illustration of direct characterization.