Characterization: how the author presents the dramatis personae of his or her story.

Direct characterization is when the author tells you directly that the character is of a particular state of mind or in a specific condition. The author comes right out and writes that the character simply is.

Indirect characterization is when the author describes the character and lets you the reader draw your own conclusions. He or she can do this by describing

Looks of the character, e.g., clothing,  physical state
Effect the character has on other characters or situations
Actions that the character takes
Speech of the character or that which is directed to that character
Thoughts of the character if the POV is omnicient

Remember it with this word mnemonic: “Indirect characterization is when the author says the LEAST about a character.”

In addition are these considerations of the character:
Flat character is one in which the author presents few aspects to his or her personality. This may be because the character is simple, or because the character is a foil or plays a symbolic role.

Round character is fully developed, complex.

Static character does not grow or change through the course of the story.

Dynamic character grows or changes as a result of the complications and climaxes inherent in the story or situation.

Click to access Characterization.pdf

You can also look at this .pdf and see how the National Council of the Teachers of English straight joinked my intellect.

“STEAL” indeed.