Which line is an example of direct characterization? Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years . . .
And if that was not enough for fame, there was also his prolonged vigour to marvel at.
At ninety-nine they began to call him well-preserved; but unchanged would have been nearer the mark.
And it was popularly believed, whatever the old folk might say, that the Hill at Bag End was full of tunnels stuffed with treasure.