Question

which method of characterization is used in the following passage? \their starched blue blouses, glossy as though varnished, ornamented at collar and cuffs with a little embroidered design and blown out around their bony bodies, looked very much like balloons about to soar, whence issued arms and two feet.\

Explanation:

The passage describes the characters' clothing ("starched blue blouses, glossy as though varnished, ornamented at collar and cuffs with a little embroidered design") and physical appearance ("bony bodies... looked very much like balloons about to soar, whence issued arms and two feet"). This is a direct description of their physical traits. Speech would involve characters' dialogue, and actions would involve what the characters do. Since the passage focuses on how they look (physical details), it is physical description.

Answer:

physical descriptions