Characterization Practice – Part 2, Chapter 8 from “1984”
In George Orwell’s novel “1984” we are presented with many different instances where we can dissect pieces of characterization in the novel. Characterization is when the author tells us either directly or indirectly who or what the character is, and what they are about. Direct characterization is when the author tells the reader straight-up information about the character, for example, “The 6’1 Caucasian male with red hair had braces.”. In the novel, we can find many well written examples where our protagonist Winston Smith is described with direct characterization, “His hair was very fair, his face naturally sanguine, his skin roughened by coarse soap and blunt razor blades and the cold of the winter that had just ended.” (Orwell 4). This is direct characterization because the illustrator used words directly telling us about what he looks like, for example now we know he has fair hair and roughened skin. Our second type of characterization is indirect, where the author will use a abbreviation named S.T.E.A.L (speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions and looks) to help the reader have a better understanding of who the character is. A well illustrated example from the novel is, “At last they were face to face, and it seemed that his only impulse was to run away. His heart bounded violently. He would have been incapable of speaking.” (Orwell 198). This is indirect characterization, because Winston’s actions and thoughts tell us that he is very unsure and anxious or even scared, which is very valuable information when trying to figure out more about a certain character. When reading, watching or even speaking of a story, it is always important to be able to include direct and indirect characterization to add meaning and interest to a character, and it is just as important to know the difference.