Writing And Literature: Direct/Indirect Characterization Quiz

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 9,745 | Updated: Nov 3, 2023

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Writing And Literature: Direct/Indirect Characterization Quiz - Quiz

In writing and literature, the terms ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ characterization refer to how a narrator describes a character and allows their personalities to unfold in front of you. Direct characterization is when the narrator outright tells you something about the character. In contrast, its indirect counterpart allows you to figure things out based on what the character says or does themselves. Do you know the difference? Let’s find out.

Questions and Answers

1.

They were clods, the whole gang of them.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
A. Direct

Explanation
The phrase "They were clods, the whole gang of them" directly states that the whole gang of people were clods. There is no inference or indirect statement involved, as the sentence clearly states the fact without any ambiguity. Therefore, the correct answer is direct.

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33
26
2.

She was surprisingly strong for a girl of such petite stature. Her fiery determination usually matched her auburn hair, but not today for the first time since meeting Mr. Black she was afraid.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
A. Direct

Explanation
The given passage describes the girl as being strong and determined, but suddenly becoming afraid after meeting Mr. Black. This suggests that her fear is a direct result of her interaction with Mr. Black, rather than being influenced indirectly by something else. Therefore, the correct answer is "direct."

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1
1
3.

The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
A. Direct

Explanation
The given sentence states that the old mechanic preferred the old days when he only needed manuals and tools. This indicates that he had a direct preference for the old ways, without any intermediaries or modern technology. Therefore, the correct answer is "direct".

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14
14
4.

Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
B. Indirect

Explanation
The given passage describes Julie's process of choosing an outfit by trying on different options and seeking advice from her sister. This indicates that Julie's decision-making process was not straightforward or immediate, but rather involved considering multiple factors and opinions. Therefore, the correct answer is "indirect," as it suggests a more complex and time-consuming decision-making approach.

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28
13
5.

Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
B. Indirect

Explanation
The provided passage is an example of indirect characterization. It doesn't explicitly state the character's traits or characteristics but instead reveals them through the character's actions and thoughts. In this case, Julie's behavior of seeking advice from her sister and her choice of outfit (navy blue skirt with a white sweater) indirectly conveys information about her indecisiveness and her desire to make a good impression on Trent.

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16
18
6.

lMr Chong, whom I secretly nicknamed Old Chong, was very strange, always tapping his fingers to the silent music of an invisible orchestra.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
A. Direct

Explanation
The correct answer is "direct" because the sentence directly describes Mr. Chong's behavior of tapping his fingers to the silent music of an invisible orchestra. There is no inference or interpretation needed to understand this information.

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14
10
7.

At once, Laura's throat clamped tight like a hinged lid. It was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, so she clearly could see Dianne and Steve grinning at her, waiting for her to make a fool of herself, again.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
B. Indirect

Explanation
The given passage describes Laura's experience of feeling her throat clamp tight and sensing that Dianne and Steve are grinning at her, waiting for her to embarrass herself. This suggests that Laura is not directly hearing or seeing Dianne and Steve's actions, but rather inferring their behavior based on her own physical sensations and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is indirect.

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10
1
8.

Peter was bored with the TV program, but the remote control was across the room, so he just watched it anyway. Jan would be in soon, and she could get the remote control for him then.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
B. Indirect

Explanation
The given passage suggests that Peter was unable to directly access the remote control because it was across the room. Instead of getting up and retrieving it himself, he chose to wait for Jan to come in and get it for him. This indicates an indirect approach to solving the problem of not being able to change the TV program.

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12
8
9.

Peter was very lazy, and would never move himself more than was absolutely necessary.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
A. Direct

Explanation
The given statement describes Peter's laziness and his reluctance to move unless it is absolutely necessary. This implies that Peter prefers to take the shortest and most direct route to his destination, rather than taking any detours or unnecessary movements. Therefore, the correct answer is "direct."

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9
9
10.

"That was a pretty good poem that you wrote for English class. YOur stuff is so good. I wish I could write like you," Rachel said.
- A.
  
  Direct
- B.
  
  Indirect
Correct Answer
B. Indirect

Explanation
The given statement is an example of indirect speech because it reports what Rachel said without using her exact words. In indirect speech, the speaker's words are paraphrased or summarized rather than being quoted directly. In this case, Rachel's praise for the poem and her desire to write like the person indicate that the statement is indirect.

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21
16

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Current Version
Nov 03, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Feb 02, 2011

Quiz Created by
LCSintervention

Writing And Literature: Direct/Indirect Characterization Quiz

They were clods, the whole gang of them.

She was surprisingly strong for a girl of such petite stature. Her fiery determination usually matched her auburn hair, but not today for the first time since meeting Mr. Black she was afraid.

The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.

Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.

lMr Chong, whom I secretly nicknamed Old Chong, was very strange, always tapping his fingers to the silent music of an invisible orchestra.

At once, Laura's throat clamped tight like a hinged lid. It was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, so she clearly could see Dianne and Steve grinning at her, waiting for her to make a fool of herself, again.

Peter was bored with the TV program, but the remote control was across the room, so he just watched it anyway. Jan would be in soon, and she could get the remote control for him then.

Peter was very lazy, and would never move himself more than was absolutely necessary.

"That was a pretty good poem that you wrote for English class. YOur stuff is so good. I wish I could write like you," Rachel said.