Indirect characterization occurs when:

Indirect characterization occurs when:

• A. Readers infer traits from actions or dialogue.
• B. The narrator directly states traits.
• C. The setting reveals mood.
• D. The plot twist occurs.

Answer: (A)

Indirect characterization is when readers learn about a character by observing their actions, speech, thoughts, how others respond to them, and their appearance—showing who they are rather than telling us directly. The idea described in the option—readers inferring traits from what a character does and says—fits this approach exactly, highlighting the show-not-tell method authors use to reveal personality. The other ideas point to direct characterization (where traits are stated outright), mood created by setting, or a purely plot-related twist, which don’t explain how readers deduce character traits through cues and behavior.

Indirect characterization is when readers learn about a character by observing their actions, speech, thoughts, how others respond to them, and their appearance—showing who they are rather than telling us directly. The idea described in the option—readers inferring traits from what a character does and says—fits this approach exactly, highlighting the show-not-tell method authors use to reveal personality. The other ideas point to direct characterization (where traits are stated outright), mood created by setting, or a purely plot-related twist, which don’t explain how readers deduce character traits through cues and behavior.