Here's a link to show you all of the ways an author can describe their characters!
Direct characterization is when the author directly tells you a characters traits.
Charles Macfie Campbell has written: 'Human personality and the environment' -- subject(s): Characters and characteristics, Personality, Psychophysiology
Yes, when the author directly states a character's traits, it is known as explicit characterization. This involves describing the character's qualities, beliefs, and actions in a straightforward manner without leaving room for interpretation. It provides readers with clear insight into the character's personality.
An author can demonstrate indirect characterization through a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. By portraying how the character behaves in various situations, readers can infer their personality traits, motivations, and beliefs without the author explicitly stating them.
when an author doesn't tell you a character's personality directly so you have to figure it out based on the character's actions.
The characters in the story are discovered rather than explained. They present themselves without comment from the author.
All of the above. Authors use a combination of the characters' private thoughts, speech, and the opinions of other characters to develop characterization and create well-rounded, dynamic characters. By utilizing these elements, authors can provide insight into the character's personality, motivations, and development throughout the story.
it allows the author to put some distance between himself and the characters
Authors introduce characters either by directly stating what they look like (and think like), or by showing those things indirectly.
author shows us the character in action; the reader infers what a character is like from what she/he thinks, or says, or does. These are also called dramatized characters and they are generally consistent (in behavior), motivated (convincing), and plausible (lifelike)."
The dialogue, the narrative and the description all contribute to understanding the characters and their motivations. The author has to make each of these elements as authentic as possible without overdoing it.
Vann Joines has written: 'Personality adaptations' -- subject(s): Personality, Personality development