Final answer:
The fourth key to characterization is the portrayal of a character's qualities and traits through their actions, dialogue, and how other characters perceive them, which contributes to their development in the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fourth key to characterization is how an author explores and represents the character's qualities and traits, showing their development throughout the narrative. In literature, authors often create intriguing characters by giving them specific attributes, unique habits, or symbolic elements that contribute to their overall persona. For example, a character might have a distinctive way of speaking or a particular gesture that underscores a deeper aspect of their personality. An author might also provide details on a character's background, which can be pivotal in explaining their behaviors and choices. These nuances in characterization are what make fictional characters feel real and compelling to readers.
Conveying these traits requires a writer to go beyond simply telling the reader about the character. Instead, the writer shows the characters in action, allows them to speak through dialogue, and presents how others in the story perceive them. These techniques help the reader to empathize or sympathize with the characters, evoking a more emotional response.