What makes this excerpt from oliver twist by charles dickens an example of direct characterization? the elderly female was a woman of wisdom and experience; she knew what was good for children; and she had a very accurate perception of what was good for herself. so, she appropriated the greater part of the weekly stipend to her own use, and consigned the rising parochial generation to even a shorter allowance than was originally provided for them. thereby finding in the lowest depth a deeper still; and proving herself a very great experimental philosopher.