Question

Look at the description of the character below. Identify the sections that are direct characterisations and indirect characterisations. Jasper looked in the mirror at his long, straight, red hair. It almost reached his shoulders. He sighed and wished he had brown flicky hair like all the other boys at school. His mum always said Jasper had the hair of an ancient God but Jasper didn't feel like an ancient God when people were pulling his hair and calling him 'Ranga' and 'Bluey'. He also had freckles, lots of them. None of the other kids at school had as many freckles as he did. At least Jasper had some cool new clothes to help him fit in at school.

Answer 1

Direct characterization refers to the author explicitly describing a character, while indirect characterization is when the author shows the character's traits through their actions, thoughts, or speech.

Direct Characterization:

- "Jasper looked in the mirror at his long, straight, red hair."

- "He also had freckles, lots of them."

Indirect Characterization:

- "He sighed and wished he had brown flicky hair like all the other boys at school." (This shows Jasper’s dissatisfaction with his appearance and desire to fit in, revealing his feelings indirectly.)

- "His mum always said Jasper had the hair of an ancient God but Jasper didn't feel like an ancient God when people were pulling his hair and calling him 'Ranga' and 'Bluey'." (This tells us about Jasper's feelings and how he is treated by others, giving insight into his experiences and self-image.)

- "At least Jasper had some cool new clothes to help him fit in at school." (This indicates Jasper's efforts to adapt or be accepted by his peers, which tells us about his social struggles and desires indirectly.)