What type of characterization describes a character's traits in a straightforward manner?

Direct characterization provides a clear and straightforward depiction of a character's traits. In this method, the author explicitly presents information about the character's personality, physical appearance, motivation, and other attributes. This approach allows readers to quickly understand who the character is without needing to interpret nuances or draw conclusions from interactions with other characters or events.

For example, a passage might state, "John was a grumpy old man who rarely smiled," giving the reader direct insight into John's demeanor and attitude. This contrasts with other forms of characterization, where traits are revealed more subtly through actions, dialogue, or other characters’ perspectives, requiring the reader to engage in more inferential thinking.