Direct and Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization: -author tells us what Chris is like*
1. Outgoing -"The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences"
2. rebel- "You can read about this stuff but you can't understand it until you live it…"
3. Intelligent- "I think maybe part of what got him into trouble was that he did too much thinking…"
-"You could tell right away that Alex was intelligent,' Westerberg reflects, draining his third drink. 'He read a lot. Used a lot of big words. I think maybe part of what got him into trouble was that he did too much thinking. Sometimes he tried too hard to make sense of the world, to figure out why people were bad to each other so often." Chapter 3, pg. 18
4. Determined- "When you want something in life, you just gotta reach out and grab it"
5. Friendly -"When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines upon you."

Indirect Characterization: -when we are shown what Chris is like, requires thought on the part of the reader*
1. Unusual-"Came into this world with unusual gifts.."
2. Adventurous -"Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon.."
3. Brave -"you don’t need to worry about me. I have a college education. I'm not destitute. I'm living like this by choice.."
4. Crazy- "I'm Super tramp and you're super apple! You are the apple of my eye."
5. Alone and sad- "S.O.S. I need your help. I am injured, near death, and too weak to hike out of here. I am all alone, this is no joke. In the name of God, please remain to save me. I am out collecting berries and shall return this evening. Thank you, Chris McCandless. August ?" Chapter 2, pg. 12

Paragraph:
When reading the book, the author describes Chris as a really smart, outgoing, friendly, or determined type of guy. In my eyes he is most of those things but more crazy and adventurous, maybe even stupid at times. He can be smart like knowing what to do in the wild, but he can make stupid choices too. He is definitely brave, adventurous, and outgoing because to have the courage to go out and live in the wild all by yourself, you have to be all these things. He is a very friendly person and meets a lot of people along his journey. He ends up going crazy and hallucinates because he is all by himself most of the time. His Unique personality is likable and makes him more interesting to read about to make the book enjoyable and encourages you to keep reading about what he will do next.