The direct object is the thing going from the subject to the indirect object.
The indirect object is the person who receives the direct object from the subject.
The idea of going from one person to another is based on the verb
give,
where the movement from one person to another is more obvious.
With other verbs the movement from one person to another is not
necessarily literal motion.
_________
Fred gave Mary a diamond ring.
The diamond ring went from Fred to Mary.
Fred is the subject.
Mary is the indirect object.
a diamond ring is the direct object.
_________
Henry told Susan a lie.
The lie 'went' from Henry to Susan.
Henry is the subject.
Susan is the indirect object.
a lie is the direct object.
_________
The teacher showed the diagrams to the students.
The diagrams 'went' from the teacher to the students.
the teacher is the subject.
the students is the indirect object.
the diagrams is the direct object.
_________
The boss brought us doughnuts and coffee.
The doughnuts and coffee went from the boss to us.
the boss is the subject.
us is the indirect object.
the doughnuts and coffee is the direct object.
________
Once in a great while the indirect object is not a person.
The boy gave his shoes a good polishing.
The polishing 'went' from the boy to the shoes.
the boy is the subject.
his shoes is the indirect object.
a good polishing is the direct object.
CJ