In Amy Tan’s short story ‘Two Kinds’, direct characterization is clearly illustrated through the description of the mother, who is portrayed as strict and determined. For example, the narrator mentions, ‘My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America.’ This straightforward statement about the mother’s beliefs directly informs us of her character traits—her ambition and high expectations for her daughter.
On the other hand, an example of indirect characterization can be found in the way the daughter, Jing-mei, reacts to her mother’s pressures and demands. Throughout the story, we see Jing-mei’s frustration and resentment build when she is pushed into piano lessons. This is shown when she states, ‘I won’t be what I am not.’ Her internal conflict and defiance reveal her feelings towards her mother’s expectations without explicitly stating them, showcasing her character development and complexity.