Whilst reading the novel 1984 by George Orwell, there are many excellent examples of characterization that can be found.  

But what is characterization? Characterization is the description of a character; these can be demonstrated through direct and indirect characterization.  

Direct characterization is an instance when the reader is told what a character is like through adjectives, “When you looked at O’Briens powerful shoulders and his blunt-featured face, so ugly yet so civilized, it was impossible to believe he could be defeated.” (Orwell, 221) 

In this example, the reader is told directly about O’Briens characteristics. He has big shoulders and a sort of a sharp featured face; these things are said through adjectives to make the reader understand what O’Brien looks like.  

Now that direct characterization has been covered, it’s time to move on to indirect. Indirect characterization is when the characteristics of a character are shown through their speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks.  Having the reader infer how these things impact the character’s personality.  

O’Brien for instance gives off the impression of strong devotion to the brotherhood, “This is what we must do unflinchingly. But this is not what we shall be doing when life is worth living again.” (Orwell, 221) 

Here, without directly saying that O’Brien is a devoted man, the readers can infer what O’Briens goals and hopes are for the brotherhood. We know that he is determined to do whatever is necessary to take the party of Ing-Soc down, no matter how long it takes.  

These are just two of the many examples found in George Orwell’s astonishing and minf boggling novel.