Indirect characterization is when a character is not explained explicitly. Another way to say it is that the reader must use inference to figure out the personality or description of a character based on implied clues. A question about Vera in Saki's "The Open Window" might be posed in order to obtain the correct inference needed to nail down who she is: What type of person would tell a stranger such a tragic lie about her...
Indirect characterization is when a character is not explained explicitly. Another way to say it is that the reader must use inference to figure out the personality or description of a character based on implied clues. A question about Vera in Saki's "The Open Window" might be posed in order to obtain the correct inference needed to nail down who she is: What type of person would tell a stranger such a tragic lie about her uncles dying out in a bog, knowing full well that they would be returning soon after?
Not only does Vera set up Mr. Nuttel with the tragic tale, but when the men come back from hunting, she plays the scared little girl role perfectly. She acts out her own horror to close the deal on the story and really frightens Mr. Nuttel! The reader is left to infer whether or not Vera is malicious or simply a practical joker--and that is indirect characterization. One might argue that she's young and was simply playing a really good joke on Mr. Nuttel. On the other hand, the tale doesn't show her running after him to apologize or explain the joke.
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