When describing a character's traits and qualities, what is the term that specifically refers to the author's method?

The term that specifically refers to the author's method of describing a character's traits and qualities is characterization. This process involves the various techniques an author uses to convey a character's personality, motivations, and complexities, usually through direct or indirect means. Direct characterization involves explicitly stating the traits, while indirect characterization shows the traits through the character's actions, speech, thoughts, and interactions with others.

Characterization is essential for understanding how characters function within a narrative and how they evolve throughout the story. It allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level, ultimately enhancing the narrative's emotional impact.

The other choices relate to different aspects of storytelling. A character arc describes the transformation or development of a character over the course of a story, plot development focuses on the sequence of events and how they unfold, and theme refers to the central idea or message conveyed by the narrative. While these elements are crucial for storytelling, they do not specifically address the method of depicting character traits, which is what characterization entails.