Question

dialouge is often used to provide what kind of characterization

Answer 1

There are two major types of characterization commonly used in written works: direct characterization and indirect characterization. Direct characterization is used by an author in the narrative of a work and includes descriptions and comments that directly describe the nature and appearance of a character. In contrast to this, indirect characterization occurs outside of the narrative and usually includes dialogue, comments others make about a character, the actions of a character, and his or her thoughts. Both of these kinds of characterization are equally important, as they can be used by a writer in different ways and for different effects.


Regardless of which types of characterization a writer uses, the process of developing a character in a story is quite important. Characterization, in general, is the process of using different elements to give readers information about characters within a story. These allow a reader to become more attached to certain characters and to better understand relationships that develop between those characters.

One of the main kinds of characterization is direct characterization. This is the use of direct descriptions and comments from a writer, within the narrative of a work, that provide readers with information about a character. A writer can use this type of characterization by writing something like “He was a hulking beast of a man, with a look as savage as his grating voice.” This gives the reader direct information about a character and requires little interpretation by the reader.