'Encoding' in the context of the communication process is demonstrated as the process of converting the information or thoughts embodied in the shape of symbols that would function to display the intended idea or thoughts into a coded form that is further required to be decoded by the readers in order to understand/infer it. Therefore, it is illustrated as putting a written, figurative, or verbal form to a message that could be decoded by the receiver to understand the idea or thought of the conveyed message. Hence, <u>'encoding'</u> is the correct answer.
I think at this point in the book Aunt Alexandria has been spending more time with scout and answering Atticus' promise of giving her feminine influences
I think the answer is characterization (I originally said plot but I just realized that I made a mistake when I was reading. Sorry about that! Hope I didn't mess anything up for you.) :D