Question

People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.

Which kinds of characterization does this selection include?

A. direct
B. indirect
C. direct and indirect
D. internal
(I know it's not A.)

Answer 1

I would say the correct answer is C.

Answer 2

The correct answer is the following: option b. The selection used in the question include an indirect type of characterization. Indirect characterization is a literary device used by writers to show the character's personality through actions, speech or his/her/it appearance. The reader gather all of this information to form a notion on what type of personality the main character has.

In the excerpt provided in the question, the writer tells how people underestimate Harry based on his fashion choices and his recurrent speech. The writer is not directly telling the reader Harry's personality, but by his indirect characterization the reader can start to understand how Harry's personality is.