In GCSE English, indirect characterisation is a technique writers use to show what a character is like, without directly telling the reader. Instead of describing the character openly, the writer reveals their personality through the character’s actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and how they interact with others. This means readers have to look for clues and make inferences about the character.
Understanding indirect characterisation can help you develop close reading skills and recognise how writers construct complex characters. It also allows readers to engage more deeply with the narrative and understand the behaviours, motives, and changes characters go through.
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