By 'author of the essay reading Shakespeare' do you mean us readers?
As, I'm currently doing right try and read classical novels like 'How to kill a mockingbird'. There's no need to rush if it's the first time reading, the more you read (or few of classicals) you will kind off get what the author is making the character speaking. Also understanding the aspect of the story. :)
Answer:
a reader can analyze a character's action, relation to others, outlook of life, and similar features to determine traits of characters. Using given information on these, a reader can determine character traits.
Explanation: