Indirect characterization involves...

• A. The author states what the character is like.
• B. The author reveals traits by describing the character's speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks.
• C. The narrative uses a symbol to indicate mood.
• D. The plot makes the character's growth clear.

Answer: (B)

Indirect characterization is shown when you learn about a character through clues the author provides in the narrative rather than being told directly. The author reveals traits by describing the character's speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks. By paying attention to what the character says, what runs through their mind, how other characters react to them, what they do in different situations, and how they appear, you infer personality and qualities. This approach lets you understand a character more deeply, showing complexity rather than simply stating a trait. In contrast, direct characterization would tell you plainly what the character is like, and options about mood indicated by symbols or about plot-driven growth describe different literary elements rather than how a character is introduced.