What is a direct quotation?

A direct quotation are the exact words of someone else written into your writing. Pretty much let's say you take a quote from Obama. He says, in exact words " The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on." This is a direct quotation, as no words have been changed and it's exactly what he says.