Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?
“the first week in japan was predictably atrocious. malik’s mother came home every night with infuriating new suggestions for how he could spend his time—or, as he preferred to think of it, how he could pass his sentence.”

Indirect characterization

Explanation:

The author writes Malik in a way that doesn't outright tell you that he doesn't like Japan, but in a way that to him is implied with him saying that his time there was atrocious or being there was a sentence.

repetition is used to emphasize a feeling or idea, create rhythm, and/or develop a sense of urgency.