Indirect Characterization: Meaning, Examples & Writing Tips

• Jan 16, 2026
• 7 min read

• Tags: Character, Fiction Writing, Writers

Characters are the heart of every story, but the most memorable ones are rarely described outright. Instead of being told who a character is, readers often discover it through subtle clues woven into the narrative. This technique is known as indirect characterization.

By revealing personality through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions, writers create deeper, more realistic characters. In this article, you’ll learn what indirect characterization is, how it works, why it matters, and how both readers and writers can analyze and use it effectively.

What is indirect characterization?

Indirect characterization is a literary technique where a writer reveals a character’s personality without directly stating it. Unlike direct characterization, instead of telling readers who a character is, the author shows it through behavior, dialogue, thoughts, choices, and interactions.

In simple terms, indirect characterization lets readers figure out a character on their own.

Indirect characterization definition

Indirect characterization is the process of developing a character by implying traits through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and reactions, rather than explicitly describing them.

Why writers use indirect characterization

Indirect characterization is powerful because it:

• Makes characters feel real and complex
• Engages readers more deeply
• Encourages interpretation and emotional connection
• Follows the classic writing rule: “Show, don’t tell.”

Instead of saying “She was brave,” the writer shows her walking into danger despite fear.

How indirect characterization works (with examples)

Writers typically use five main methods to create indirect characterization.

1. Actions

What a character does often reveals who they are.

Example of indirect characterization:

Instead of saying “Ravi was kind,” the story shows Ravi giving his lunch to a hungry classmate.

What it reveals: Compassion, empathy, generosity.

2. Dialogue (what the character says)

The way a character speaks, tone, word choice, and honesty reveal personality.

Indirect characterization example:

A character constantly interrupts others and dismisses opinions.

What it reveals: Arrogance or insecurity.

3. Thoughts and inner monologue

A character’s private thoughts expose fears, desires, and values.

Example:

A character smiles confidently in public but internally doubts every decision.

What it reveals: Inner conflict, low self-esteem, or pressure to appear strong.

4. Reactions of other characters

How others respond to a character also shapes our understanding.

Example:

If everyone lowers their voice when a character enters the room, the character likely holds authority or inspires fear.

5. Appearance and environment

Clothing, habits, and surroundings offer subtle clues.

Example:

A character with neatly organized books, color-coded notes, and punctual habits suggests discipline or control.

Indirect characterization examples

One of the best ways to understand indirect characterization is to see how famous characters are revealed through their actions, choices, and behavior rather than direct characterization. The following examples show how powerful “show, don’t tell” storytelling can be.

1. Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle never repeatedly tells readers that Sherlock Holmes is a genius. Instead, Holmes’s intelligence is revealed through what he notices and how he reasons.

Holmes observes tiny details; others overlook a client’s muddy shoes, a worn sleeve, a nervous gesture, and logically connect them to accurate conclusions. Readers infer his brilliance by watching him solve complex cases step by step, often shocking both the characters around him and the audience.

Indirect traits revealed:

• High intelligence
• Sharp observation skills
• Logical thinking
• Emotional detachment

Holmes’s character works so well because readers experience his intelligence rather than being told about it.

2. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Suzanne Collins rarely describes Katniss as “brave” in direct terms. Instead, Katniss’s courage is revealed through her decisions under pressure.

She volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, a choice that could cost her life. Throughout the story, she repeatedly risks punishment or death to protect others, defy authority, or stay true to her moral code. Even her moments of fear strengthen the characterization, because she acts despite being afraid.

Indirect traits revealed:

• Courage
• Selflessness
• Survival instinct
• Moral strength

By watching Katniss act, readers understand her bravery as something earned, not labeled.

3. Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)

Scott Fitzgerald does not directly tell readers that Gatsby is lonely or emotionally unfulfilled. Instead, Gatsby’s inner emptiness is revealed through contrast and absence.

He throws extravagant parties filled with people, yet rarely participates in them. His wealth is enormous, but his happiness depends on a single unreachable dream: Daisy. Even in crowded spaces, Gatsby remains distant and quiet, suggesting that money cannot replace genuine connection.

Indirect traits revealed:

• Loneliness
• Obsession
• Emotional vulnerability
• Idealism

Gatsby’s silence and isolation speak louder than any explicit description ever could.

Indirect characterization requires readers to:

• Observe details carefully
• Interpret clues instead of expecting explanations
• Think critically about behavior and motivation
• Actively participate in understanding the story

This makes reading more engaging but also more demanding.

How should a reader analyze indirect characterization?

Indirect characterization asks readers to become active observers, not passive readers. Instead of being told who a character is, you’re invited to figure it out on your own. Here’s how to do that naturally:

1. Watch for patterns

One single action doesn’t define a character, but repeated behavior does. If a character repeatedly avoids responsibility, interrupts others, or puts themselves in danger for someone else, those patterns point to real personality traits.

Ask yourself, “Does this character keep doing this?” If the answer is yes, that behavior is intentional and meaningful.

2. Pay attention to contradictions between words and actions

Characters don’t always say what they mean, and that’s where indirect characterization shines.

A character might claim they don’t care, yet feel hurt when ignored. Or they may call themselves brave but hesitate when action is required. These gaps reveal inner conflict, fear, insecurity, or denial.

Highlight moments where actions and dialogue don’t match. Then ask, “Which one feels more honest?” (It’s usually the action.)

3. Notice how other characters respond

Sometimes, the clearest description of a character comes from how others treat them.

If people trust a character with secrets, they’re likely reliable. If everyone walks on eggshells around someone, that person may be intimidating or unpredictable.

Watch reactions like silence, respect, fear, admiration, or avoidance. These responses often reflect a character’s reputation more accurately than self-description.

4. Ask “What does this reveal?” after key moments

Every meaningful action, choice, or line of dialogue exists for a reason.

When something stands out, pause and ask: “What does this moment tell me about who this character really is?”

Even small details like how a character treats a waiter or reacts to failure can reveal values and priorities. Turn scenes into clues. If a detail feels important, it probably is.

5. Trust yourself as a reader

There is rarely only one “correct” interpretation. The difference between direct and indirect characterization is that indirect characterization is designed to let readers draw conclusions based on evidence. If your interpretation is supported by actions and patterns in the text, you’re analyzing it correctly.

If you can explain why you think a character is kind, selfish, brave, or conflicted using examples, you’ve understood the characterization.

STEAL Method

Writers can use the STEAL method to easily decipher or depict indirect characterization in writing.

For example:

Riya arrived early and straightened the chairs that didn’t need fixing. “It’s fine, I’ve got it,” she said when someone offered help, though her fingers trembled as she checked the clock again. A few people smiled at her dedication, while she silently replayed every possible mistake in her head, smoothing her sleeves until the meeting began.

Practical writing tips for using indirect characterization

1. Replace trait words with specific actions

Instead of telling readers a character’s trait (kind, rude, brave, selfish), show one small action that proves it. Traits are abstract. Actions are concrete.

Telling: She was generous.

Showing: She split her lunch in half and pushed the bigger piece toward him.

The reader understands generosity without the word being used.

How Writers Can Do This

1. Write the trait you want (e.g., brave).
2. Ask: “What would a brave person DO in this situation?”
3. Write that action instead of the adjective.

Trait-to-Action List

Keep a simple list like this:

• Nervous → fidgets, checks phone, avoids eye contact
• Confident → relaxed posture, steady voice
• Angry → clenched jaw, short replies

Use it while drafting scenes.

2. Let dialogue reflect personality, not exposition

Dialogue should sound like something a real person would say, not a personality description. Characters shouldn’t explain themselves to the reader.

Exposition Dialogue: “I am a very independent person who doesn’t trust others.”

Character-Revealing Dialogue:  “I’ll handle it myself. I always do.”

The second line sounds natural and reveals independence.

How Writers Can Do This

1. Give each character a speech habit:

• Short sentences = blunt or guarded
• Rambling = anxious or enthusiastic
• Formal language = controlled or distant

Let characters avoid saying things directly.

3. Show emotions through body language

Emotions become real when they appear in the body, not as labels.

Telling: He was angry.

Showing: He set the glass down harder than necessary and didn’t look at her.

Readers feel the anger without being told.

How Writers Can Do This

Focus on small, involuntary movements:

• Hands tightening
• Breathing changing
• Avoiding or holding eye contact

Body Language Cheat Sheet

• Fear → shallow breathing, stepping back
• Guilt → avoiding eyes, overexplaining
• Excitement → fast speech, restless movement

Use 1–2 body cues per scene (not all at once).

4. Trust the reader

Once you’ve shown something clearly, stop explaining it. Readers enjoy figuring things out—it makes the story more immersive.

Over-Explaining: She laughed, but she wasn’t really happy. She was pretending because she felt lonely.

Trusting the Reader: She laughed too loudly, then fell silent when no one noticed.

The emotion is clear without explanation.

How Writers Can Do This

1. Remove sentences that start with:

• This shows that…

• She felt…

2. Ask: “Is the action already doing the work?”

Delete-and-Test Method
Delete the explanatory sentence. If the meaning still comes through, keep it deleted.

5. Reveal traits gradually, not all at once

Real people don’t reveal everything immediately, nor should characters. Let traits emerge over time through repeated behavior.

Too Fast: In one scene, kind, brave, funny, loyal, and insecure.

Gradual Reveal

• Scene 1: Character hesitates
  
• Scene 3: Character avoids confrontation
  
• Scene 6: Character finally speaks up

Now the growth feels earned.

How Writers Can Do This

• Choose 2–3 core traits per character.
  
• Show each trait multiple times in different situations.
  
• Allow contradictions; people are complex.
  

Character Trait Tracker
Create a simple note:

1. Trait: Insecurity

• Scene 2: avoids eye contact
• Scene 5: over-prepares
• Scene 9: self-doubt in thoughts

This keeps characterization consistent and realistic.

Indirect characterization brings stories to life by allowing readers to actively uncover who a character truly is. Rather than relying on direct descriptions, writers use behavior, speech, and reactions to show personality in a natural and engaging way. 

This technique not only strengthens storytelling but also encourages readers to think critically and emotionally connect with characters. When used skillfully, indirect characterization transforms simple narratives into immersive, unforgettable experiences, proving that sometimes, what’s shown is far more powerful than what’s told.

If you’ve used indirect characterization in your story and want to make sure that it is correct, you can take the help of expert book editing services like PaperTrue! They will correct all the errors and help you in your book publishing journey as well.

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.