Direct and Indirect Characterization

Direct characterization is when a reader tells audience what a character looks/acts like.

Indirect characterization is when reader shows what character is like but lets you make your own conclusions.

Indirect - Direct - Quotes

No one knew of Chris’s plans – He wanted to be free from everyone.	He was twenty-four years old	“The more they talked, the less Alex struck Gallien as a nutcase.” P. 5
Chris wanted to give his watch and money to Gallien – He does not need much to get by.	He was from South Dakota but had been raised in Virginia.	“I don’t want to know what time it is. I don’t want to know what day it is or where I am.” p. 7 – Alex is independent and doesn’t have many cares.
The descriptions of McCandless’s town – He grew up with only what was necessary.	Chris was small with a physique of an itinerant laborer. He had dark and emotive eyes that suggested he was Greek.	“He used to sit right there and tell us amazing stories of his travels.” p. 16 – He was adventurous and loved to see places.
McCandless left Carthage and had a nomadic existence.	He was nearsighted and had small-rimmed glasses.	“He was the hardest worker I’d ever seen. “ p. 18
McCandless said he would no longer give or accept gifts. – He was practical and knew what he wanted/needed.	He was an editor of the student newspaper at Emory University where he graduated.	“You could tell right away that Alex was intelligent.” p. 18
McCandless was attentive to Burres and flirted with her. – He had a romantic side and liked talking with girls.	He had a 3.72 grade-point average and was a history and anthropology major.	“We got to talking. He was a nice kid.” – p. 30
McCandless called Franz to wish him a happy birthday. – This shows that he is caring and appreciates people in his life.	Chris loved his Datsun B210.	“He was unheeded, happy, and near to the wild heart of life.” – p. 31
McCandless talked about his trip to Alaska at every opportunity. – He was excited to go and could not wait to be in the wild.	McCandless did not misrepresent the facts.	“God, he was a smart kid.” - p. 52
McCandless started crying when saying goodbye to Borah. – He is sensitive and loving.	He was willful and wild hearted according to James Joyce.	“He definitely wasn’t what you’d called mechanically minded.” – p. 62
McCandless told people he didn’t need money. – He was not materialistic and could get by with what he had.	McCandless became Alexander Supertramp, master of his own destiny.	“Like Waterman and McCunn, McCandless was a seeker and had an impractical fascination with the harsh side of nature.” – p. 85

Chris is a determined and intelligent man who is fearless. He does not have many close relationships, which helps enable him to pick up and leave to travel into the woods. His travels did not end well, though, because he died not long after he left.