Characterization: An Overview

"'How do I look, Mama?' Maggie Says, showing just enough of her thin body enveloped in pink skirt and red blouse for me to know she's there, almost hidden by the door."

The quote above represents a perfect example of the indirect characterization that is prevalent throughout this chapter. Although direct characterization was used sometimes, it is the actions, appearances, and dialogue of the characters that helps the reader to develop an interpretation of their personality. In "Everyday Use, Maggie's character is one in particular that stands out as an example of this. Though Mama does not often directly say what Maggie is like, the reader develops an understanding of her naivity, innocence, ignorance, and amicability through her actions in the story. She is ashamed of her appearance with her burns, so she does not speak up often, and she is kind to everyone. Her character reminded me of a character from the book/movie Girl Interrupted named Polly who was also burned. The girl became somewhat timid and childlike, which is similar to Maggie. But, "Hunter's in the Snow" and "Bartleby the Scrivener" also provide examples of indirect characterization. Kenny's attempt to run down Tub shows his carelessness, while Bartleby's secretive and introverted appearance show that he is somewhat of a ghost of a man. Needless to say, indirect characterization was more prevalent in these stories than direct characterization.


Polly from Girl Interrupted