Marriage is a Private Affair

By Chinua Achebe

Characterization•Method(s) in which an

author uses to develop character(s). This is how characters come to life.

Direct Characterization• A method of characterization

in which a character is developed by the author explicitly (clearly) stating the traits (physical, personality, or behavioral).

Direct Characterization•He is forgetful.• The woman is rude. • Tom and Martha are

creative.

Indirect Characterization• A method of characterization in

which the author develops the character by showing the traits through the character’s actions, thoughts, words (dialogue), and interactions with other characters.

Indirect Characterization• Tom forgot his grocery list, and his wife

was livid because he couldn’t remember the three items.

• “Move it! Get out of my way!” asserted the woman on the subway to the mother of a crying baby.

• Tom and Martha painted their parade float with pride, and Mrs. Smith congratulated them, “I have never seen a float with such detail!”