Short Answer 
The answer outlines the process of understanding direct characterization, which is when an author explicitly describes a character’s traits. It involves identifying key excerpts that reveal character details and analyzing how these traits enhance understanding of the characters and the narrative.
Step 1: Understand Direct Characterization
Direct characterization involves the author explicitly stating what a character is like instead of allowing the reader to infer traits through actions or dialogue. This method provides clear and straightforward information about a character’s personality, behavior, or appearances. By identifying these descriptions, readers can grasp the essence of a character without ambiguity.
Step 2: Identify Key Excerpts
To find examples of direct characterization, focus on the excerpts where the character traits are clearly described. Look for sentences that use words that explicitly define a character, like “rugged countenance” or “dry-looking acquaintance.” Such phrases reveal crucial details about the characters, enhancing the reader’s understanding and visual imagery of them.
Step 3: Analyze Character Traits
Once you have identified the excerpts, analyze how these descriptions contribute to the overall understanding of the characters. Consider questions like: What does Mr. Utterson’s rugged appearance suggest about his personality? How does the descriptor of Mr. Knickerbocker’s acquaintance shape our perception of him? This analysis enables a deeper engagement with the text and the characters presented.