What technique allows the author to describe a character explicitly?

The technique that allows an author to describe a character explicitly is direct characterization. This approach involves the author clearly and straightforwardly providing details about a character’s personality, traits, or motivations, often through descriptive narratives or direct statements about the character's thoughts, actions, or physical appearance. For instance, if an author writes, "She was a fierce and independent woman who never backed down from a challenge," they are using direct characterization to make an explicit declaration about that character's nature.

In contrast, indirect characterization requires readers to infer the character’s traits through their actions, dialogue, or interactions with other characters, which is less straightforward. Symbolism and allegory, while critical literary devices, pertain to deeper meanings and broader themes rather than the direct portrayal of individual characters. Therefore, direct characterization is the method that most clearly allows for an explicit description of a character.