Question

Select the best option to fill in the blank:
Explicitly stating the psychological or emotional state (happy, sad, angry, etc.) of the character is ________________.

• A. a common mistake
• B. a misleading detail
• C. an appropriate description
• D. a wise decision

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

"A character sketch is a description made for the purpose of guiding the writer on such assignments as introducing a particular character to the reader in such a way that both the writer and readers can have a quick overview of the character's attributes; including but not limited to physical appearance, idiosyncratic (individual) tendencies in different circumstances, state of mind as shaped by former experiences and how these will affect their future actions."

Option A: By directly stating the psychological or emotional state of the character, we make it sound dull. We must use actions and instances to bring out how the character thinks or feels, or use imagery to display the same. Hence, it's a common mistake that writers make in portraying the character. So, option A is correct.

Option B: It's not 'misleading' because the character's psychological and emotional state is true.

Option C: The description is appropriate in itself, but 'explicitly' stating it degrades the quality of the writing.

Option D: The decision cannot be 'wise', as the writing turns out dull and lifeless.

Hence options B, C and D are wrong.