what is indirect characterization

Indirect characterization is a literary device used by authors to reveal a characters traits through their actions, thoughts, speech, and appearance, instead of stating them outright. It is a way of showing rather than telling the reader about a character's personality, and it invites the reader to deduce things about the character without explicitly telling them who they are. Indirect characterization is an essential technique in creative writing, but it has its limitations. It is a more complex type of characterization and potentially more difficult to master as a literary device. There are four main ways indirect characterization is provided to the reader: speech, actions, thoughts, and appearance, and how other characters react to them. Used effectively, indirect characterization can add depth and dimension to characters, making them feel more real to readers.