Direct speech
A representation of speech using characters' exact words in quotation marks. Direct speech creates immediacy and authenticity by letting characters 'speak for themselves'.
Real World
In Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch's courtroom speech uses direct speech to reveal his moral conviction, giving readers his exact words rather than a paraphrase.
Exam Focus
Analyse direct speech for what it reveals about character voice and power dynamics, not just what the words literally mean.
How well did you know this?