Which technique allows readers to understand a character's personality through their actions and behaviors rather than direct statements?

The technique that enables readers to grasp a character's personality through their actions and behaviors, as opposed to straightforward descriptions, is known as indirect characterization. This method invites readers to infer traits and motivations based on what a character does, how they react to different situations, and their interactions with others.

For instance, if a character consistently helps others, it might suggest they are compassionate. On the other hand, if a character often responds with anger or malice, readers may perceive them as hostile or insecure. This approach deepens the reader's understanding since it encourages active engagement with the text and allows for multiple interpretations based on the subtleties of behavior rather than relying solely on explicit statements.

In contrast, direct characterization involves the author explicitly stating traits about a character, which does not require the same level of inference from the reader. Character analysis refers to a broader evaluation of a character's traits and development throughout a story, while theme exploration focuses on the underlying messages or central ideas within the narrative. These options do not specifically address how readers discern a character's personality through their actions and behaviors.