What techniques do authors use to portray characters?

Question

For the story The Grapes of Wrath.

Answer 1

What techniques do authors use to portray characters? For the story The Grapes of Wrath.

John Steinbeck worked diligently to include much detail in his writing.

Steinbeck's writing included complex plots and bold, picturesque scenes.

His vivid, descriptive writing brought focus to each character in realistic settings.

Such graphic imagery brought Steinbeck's stories to Life!

Steinbeck delicately crafted his narrative style to draw out visuals which let the reader feel with the character in his circumstances.

Imagery lent a unique power to Steinbeck's depictions.

He masterfully invested much time and effort in meticulous use of dialogue, monologue (diction), personification, similes, metaphors, hyperboles, allusion, repetition, dramatization, and more to create realistic characters in his novels.

Answer 2

Techniques may not be the appropriate word. The portrayal of characters is a combination of narration, description, dialogue and interaction with other characters. In The Grapes of Wrath history plays an important part in the novel 'as well as Steinbeck's background. I always tell my students to pay special attention to the title in all of Steinbeck's works as this is key to understanding the story and characters.