Getting to know Chris McCandless...

1. Direct characterization is when the author directly describes the character using words about them. Indirect characterization is when the author describes the character through the actions or things he or she says throughout the story.

Direct Characterization	Indirect Characterization
“Five feet seven or eight with a wiry build” P.4	Not very educated on necessities for the outdoors. “His gear seemed exceedingly minimal for the harsh conditions” P.5
“He was determined. Real gung ho” P. 6	He seemed to be a very intelligent and well educated man. “Chris graduated from Emory University in Atlanta” P. 20
“McCandless was smallish with hard, stringy physique of an itinerant laborer.” P.16	Alex could also be a very social and outgoing person, telling others of his interesting adventure and destination.
“Alex was the hardest worker I’ve ever seen.” P.18	Could not stay in one area and lay down roots for too long. “However, on May 10, itchy feet returned.” P. 37
“He was alone and young and willful and wild hearted” P.31	He was an avid reader.
“A nice kid and a good worker. Real Dependable” P.40	Did not want to be involved nor talk about his family.
“He meant good, but I think he had a lot of complexes.” P. 42	He did not like to accept gifts or take much. “After an extended argument Burrealso got McCandless to accept some long underwear and other warm clothing” P. 46
“He did a lot of socializing” P.44	Not very aware of modern technology and its uses. “Alex hadn’t been around machinery much” P. 62
“He seemed extremely intelligent” P. 54	He was smart, but at times he could do less than genius things. “ But there was gaps in his thinking” P. 63
“…were stubborn and high-strung” P. 64	Not very close with women intimately. “In high school McCandless had enjoyed a close rapport with two or three members of the opposite sex” P. 65

3. So far, Chris McCandless seems to be only a nice and adventuresome man. When he decides to leave the civilized world and become "Alexander Supertramp", he never contemplates to give up his goal. (except for one time, but he eventually changed his mind.) Chris does not seem to be selfish either, by giving his money to charity instead of throwing it away or burning it, like he did to a small portion of it. When Chris is offered aid or help, he always turns it down at first, but usually ends up giving in, for the better. He also always attempts to somehow repay those who have helped him, even if it is something as small as some pocket change. All in all, Chris does not seem to be a bad person at all, only an explorer and a dreamer.