Final answer:
The passage from The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton shows indirect characterization, where the reader infers the woman's compassionate nature through her actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of characterization evident in the passage from The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton is indirect characterization. This is because the author does not directly tell the reader what type of personality the woman has; rather, the author shows us her personality through her actions and behavior. The woman's act of saving and caring for the dog, despite her initial resolve never to have another dog, allows us to infer that she is compassionate and kind-hearted.