In The Catcher in the Rye, how does the author use direct and indirect characterization regarding Holden? Is it effective?

Question

Answer this short answer questions in full sentences.

Answer 1

This is a great question!

Direct characterization would be any instance that Holden tells us directly about his personality. For example, he often says things like "I can't stand phony people," which tells us directly about his character.

Indirect characterization requires us to make inferences about Holden's character. We can piece together his character by his actions, how he interacts with other characters, and how other characters percieve Holden. For example, Holden repeatedly fails out of school, which tells us something about his motivation and work ethic. We are never told "Holden is too emotionally unstable to focus on school," but we can infer as much from his repeated failing in classes and his obsessive thought patterns.

I hope this helps!