Which is a method of characterization that shows what others say or think about the character?

Which is a method of characterization that shows what others say or think about the character?

• A. Direct comments from the author
• B. Through a character's actions, thoughts, and speech
• C. Statements that can be proven
• D. What others say or think about the character

Answer: (D)

This shows characterization through how others perceive the character. When the narration presents what other characters say or think about someone, readers infer traits based on social opinion, reputation, or rumor rather than from the narrator’s direct description or the character’s own words. It adds a layer of external perspective—our sense of the character comes from how they are viewed by the people around them, which can reveal motives, status, or character in ways the character might not disclose themselves. For example, if villagers whisper that a person is cunning, readers might infer shrewdness even if no direct statement about that trait appears. This differs from direct comments by the author, which state traits outright, or from focusing on the character’s own actions, thoughts, and speech, which reveal the inner side of the character rather than how they are seen by others.

This shows characterization through how others perceive the character. When the narration presents what other characters say or think about someone, readers infer traits based on social opinion, reputation, or rumor rather than from the narrator’s direct description or the character’s own words. It adds a layer of external perspective—our sense of the character comes from how they are viewed by the people around them, which can reveal motives, status, or character in ways the character might not disclose themselves. For example, if villagers whisper that a person is cunning, readers might infer shrewdness even if no direct statement about that trait appears. This differs from direct comments by the author, which state traits outright, or from focusing on the character’s own actions, thoughts, and speech, which reveal the inner side of the character rather than how they are seen by others.