What makes this excerpt from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens an example of direct characterization? The elderly female was a wom
an of wisdom and experience; she knew what was good for children; and she had a very accurate perception of what was good for herself. So, she appropriated the greater part of the weekly stipend to her own use, and consigned the rising parochial generation to even a shorter allowance than was originally provided for them. Thereby finding in the lowest depth a deeper still; and proving herself a very great experimental philosopher.
Direct characterization is when the author specifically tells the reader the traits of a character. In this excerpt, Dickens tells you that the woman is elderly, wise, experienced and knows what is "good for children". If Dickens had used indirect characterization, he would have need to shown her wisdom and experience by including specific examples. The reader would then be lead to develop his own conclusion about the whether or not the woman was wise and experienced.
