What is a potential challenge for readers when characters are developed through indirect characterization?

The correct answer highlights that readers must infer traits from indirect characterization, which means they have to read between the lines to understand a character's personality, motivations, and behaviors. This method relies heavily on subtle cues such as actions, dialogue, and other characters' perceptions rather than explicit descriptions. As a result, readers may interpret these cues in various ways, leading to potential misunderstandings about the characters. This challenge can make character comprehension more complex, as individual perspectives and experiences can shape the inferences drawn.

While some may consider indirect characterization less engaging or prefer straightforward narratives, these factors aren't the primary challenge presented by the indirect approach. Instead, the subtlety involved emphasizes the need for readers to actively engage with the text, inviting deeper analysis but also the risk of misinterpretation. This complexity distinguishes the indirect method as a thoughtful narrative technique that requires careful reader involvement.