Empoword

Part One: Description, Narration, and Reflection 92 How does the “cry-smile” detail enhance the characterization of the speaker’s parent? To break it down to process, characterization can be accomplished in two ways: a) Directly, through specific description of the character—What kind of clothes do they wear? What do they look, smell, sound like?—or, b) Indirectly, through the behaviors, speech, and thoughts of the character—What kind of language, dialect, or register do they use? What is the tone, inflection, and timbre of their voice? How does their manner of speaking reflect their attitude toward the listener? How do their actions reflect their traits? What’s on their mind that they won’t share with the world? Thinking through these questions will help you get a better understanding of each character (often including yourself!). You do not need to include all the details, but they should inform your description, dialogue, and narration.