Indirect Characterisation - GCSE English Language Definition

Reviewed by: Nick Redgrove

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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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Nick Redgrove

Reviewer: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

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