Question

Direct characterization is __________.
stated directly in the narration of the text
implied by the author through dialogue, action, and words
inferred by the reader based on the clues provided
the character's motivation and the conflicts that get in the way

Answer 1

Direct characterization is stated directly in the narration of the text. 
There are no secrets about it - the author just describes the person without hiding anything. 

Answer 2

The correct answer is A.

A characterization is direct when the author explicitly tells the reader the traits  of the character's personality though adjectives or epithets.

The contrary would be indirect characterization, in which the character's personality is infered through his actions and thoughts.