How Do We Use Indirect Characterization Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway uses indirect characterization, which means that the characters personality or character shines through speech and actions. Thus, description of the characters is not provided. Obviously traditional characterization is not present, both of the characters are simply referred as ``the girl`` and ``the man``. So, the reader can assume through interactions that the girl is younger, and the man older. One reason for guessing that is that while she is referred as the girl, the waitress is referred as the woman. Moreover, the way she speaks sometimes are more childlike than of a mature and wise woman. For example she says ``And if I do it you`ll be happy and things will be like they were and you`ll love me`` for the reader this illustrates her …show more content…
The girl appears helpless, confused and very indecisive, for example, she does not speak Spanish, and therefore she is dependent on him. Besides her being dependent on him, the man gets a position of power because of the language barrier. Thus, she somewhat easily takes the role of the ``victim`` of the man, but not only because of the language barrier but also him indirectly forcing her to have an operation. For example he says `` I think it`s the best thing to do. But I don’t want you to do it if you don’t really want to``. As illustrated, the man does not directly state what he want her to do, but because of his tone, and repeating things, the reader can easily guess what he really wants. Unlike him, the girl is less sure of what she wants, and is reluctant. She switches between wanting to talk about it and wanting to avoid the topic. The man`s way of expressing his opinions is indirect when it comes to convincing the girl to have the operation. Even