Direct characterization is when the narrator tells the reader something about a character. Indirect characterization is when the narrator shows the reader something about the character through the character’s actions, things the character says, or things other characters say.
An example of direct characterization is when the narrator specifically tells us what a character is like. Consider this example of direct characterization from A Christmas Carol, in which the narrator describes Ebenezer Scrooge.
Example of indirect characterization : For example, you could write your character was “rude,” or show your character blowing cigarette smoke in another character's face.
