What do 'direct characterization' and 'indirect characterization' have in common?

Direct characterization and indirect characterization are two methods that authors use to convey character traits to the audience. They share the commonality of revealing specific aspects of a character's personality, motivations, and behaviors.

In direct characterization, the author explicitly describes the character, giving clear and straightforward insights into their qualities. For instance, the text may state, "John was a kind man," directly informing the reader about John’s character trait of kindness.

In indirect characterization, on the other hand, character traits are revealed through other means, such as the character's actions, thoughts, speech, and interactions with others. This allows readers to infer qualities based on how a character behaves or how others perceive them, enhancing the depth of characterization.

The other options do not align with the shared function of both methods. For example, character traits can be conveyed through various genres and are not exclusive to drama. While plot development might be influenced by character traits, the primary focus of both direct and indirect characterization is character revelation rather than plot advancement. Dialogue may be a part of indirect characterization, but it's not a defining feature of either method, as direct characterization often doesn't involve dialogue at all. Thus, the ability of both forms to reveal character traits is their key commonality.