One way an author uses direct characteristics is by telling the reader about the character through

I believe it is dialogue if that helps any because someone can say, "Brad is a nice person."
That would be a way of telling someone what that person is like. You might want to check the answer though. It has been a few years since I have done this. Hope this helps!

Jonathan swift is using a satirical approach to make awareness to the fact that there are too many beggars (which include women and young children) on the streets. his solution? eat the children. yes this sounds like the craziest thing in the world but it's a solution. the children could be sold to landlords to pay rent and the family could have stuffed bellies. he lists the advantages, disadvantages, and the rebuttal to the disadvantages to support his claim. he also suggest what age should be the highest price and how to cook them. in the end, he excludes himself from his solution. all i all, swift uses a satirical approach to get people aware of the beggars that flood their streets.if you need more for "a modest proposal", i am here.