indirect characterization is when a character is described or characterized indirectly. this means the author describes a character with details; what the character says or does.
it does not simply say "____ is ____ (description like mad, annoying, sad, pretty).
in this example, Gloria "withdraws into a shell where she feels safe and hidden." what is this saying about her? she is shy and insecure. the author does NOT say "Gloria is shy." Or "Gloria is insecure."
The answer is C) cause and effect because if it explores the relationship between and action and it's consequences you would be talking about a cause and then it's effect of what happened.