Character Analysis Essay

Character Analysis Essay
OUTPUT: Your OUTPUT is to write a character analysis of a major character

in the story May Day Eve. Once you have chosen a character to analyze, choose
three adjectives that describe that character. These adjectives, or character
traits, will be the basis of your five-paragraph essay.
Requirements:
 Your thesis statement should be stated directly in your introduction and
be proven throughout your body paragraphs.
 You must use at least one quotation from the novel in each of the three
body paragraphs to support your ideas.
 These quotations must be correctly documented according to MLA
guidelines…refer to “Format for Quotations” below.
 The paper must be typed in 12-point font, Bookman Old Style, double-
spaced, and justified. 1 inch margin in all sides.
 The paper must have a title…do not underline it or put it in quotes and it
must be in the center line.
 Length – The paper should be at least one full page typed, but no more
than two pages.
 Deductions will be made for the following errors:
 1st and 2nd person pronouns… keep your paper in 3rd person.
 Slang and non-specific words (thing, guy, a lot, kid, etc.)… also
informal.
 Grammar, spelling, and usage errors.
 Typing errors.
 Tense shifts…write in all present or all past tense…be consistent.
 Not italicizing book titles.
Character Choices:
 Anastasia  Badoy Montiya

 Agueda  Voltaire
Writing Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that tells the reader what the rest of the
essay is about. Good thesis statements do not simply announce a topic; they
say something about the topic, and it provides the framework for your paper.
Never start a thesis with, “In this paper I will discuss…”
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose,
and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusion that the writer has
reached about the topic.
For Example: Through Miss Maudie Atkinson’s open-mindedness, optimism, and

compassion, she helps Jem and Scout better understand Atticus and their
community.
Detailed Outline
Paragraph #1
Introduction – general comments about the character and/or novel lead
you to your thesis statement (described above). Be sure you have identified the
author and title of the book and the character you will be analyzing. Some
questions you could address in your introduction include:
Why did you pick this character?
What do you like and/or dislike about this character?
Do you identify with this character on any level?
Do you know someone similar to him or her? Explain.
Paragraphs #2 - #4
Three Body Paragraphs – the topic sentence for each body paragraph
includes one-character trait you chose to describe your character. For example,
“Atticus Finch is a man of great integrity.” Follow the topic sentence with
evidence from the novel: examples from the story that support your topic
sentence, and at least one direct quotation from the novel in each body
paragraph. Next, explain how your examples support your topic sentence, and
conclude each body paragraph with a summarizing “clincher” sentence to
wrap-up your ideas.
Paragraph #5
Conclusion – restate your thesis statement and add some final thoughts
about your character and/or the novel…leave the reader in awe of your
wisdom!
Format for Quotations
Example #1 Basic Quotation
A change in Jem’s attitude toward the Radleys is shown when Scout reports,
“Less than two weeks later we found a whole package of chewing gum, which
we enjoyed, the fact that everything on the Radley Place was poison having
slipped Jem’s memory” (Lee, 60).
Example #2 A Quote within a Quote
Jem’s frustration with the injustices of the world is shown in the courtroom.
“’Doesn’t make it right,’ said Jem stolidly. He beat his fist softly on his knee.
‘You just can’t convict a man on evidence like that – you can’t’” (Lee, 220).
Example #3 Changing a word or two in a quotation to clarify its meaning.

Harper Lee helps her readers understand why this neighbor is so mysterious to
the children of the neighborhood when she states that “Mr. Radley kept [Boo]
chained to the bed most of the time” (Lee, 16).
This sample essay is an example of an “A” essay.

In the introduction the writer does:
 Use an appropriate attention-getting technique.
 Make a good transition to author and work identification.
 Weave author and work identification into paragraph.
 Provide a thesis statement that does more than merely list traits
(establishes position AND character traits).
In the body of the essay, the writer does:
 Use clear topic sentences with variety of placements.
 Use strong transitions into support.
 Incorporate sufficient quotations with correct citations.
 Provide abundant text-based elaboration.
 Use strong clincher sentences.
In the conclusion, the writer does:
 Review character traits.
 Link to introduction about
teachers.
 Create a final insight that
implies life lesson.
Tips & Hints. First reference to author is by FULL name; subsequent references are
by LAST name only. Final punctuation is AFTER the citation. Use an original title for
your essay. BE CONSISTENT. Write about literature in present tense. Use one point of
view (likely third person).
Unexpected Lesson
When great teachers are mentioned, most people think of biology
instructors, football coaches, Girl Scout leaders, and others in similar
positions. However, some of the greatest teachers may be individuals not
normally classified as teachers. Roger, a character in the short story “Thank
You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, encounters such an unusual teacher on a
city sidewalk. Because she is a fearless, trustful, and generous woman, Mrs.
Jones teaches Roger a lesson he will remember.
Roger is a would-be thief. At about eleven o’clock one night, he runs up
behind Mrs. Jones and tries to snatch her purse. When he falls down on the
sidewalk, Mrs. Jones “simply turned around and kicked him right square in his
blue jeaned sitter” (78). While some women would have avoided confrontation
with a stranger under similar circumstances, Mrs. Jones does not. She shook
Roger “until his teeth rattled” and then demanded, “Pick up my pocketbook
boy, and give it here” (78). Mrs. Jones shows no fear in her encounter with
Roger.
Not only does Mrs. Jones display courage, but she also proves to be a
trusting person. She decides that Roger needs to wash and to eat and that she
will take him to her home in order to do so. “I got a great mind to wash your
face for you,” (78) she tells Roger. “You ought to be my son. I would teach you
right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you
hungry?” (78). In just a few words, she assumes the role of a teacher and a
mother substitute. She not only takes Roger home but she also continues to
display a trusting nature once they arrive. When she gets up to prepare
supper, Mrs. Jones “did not watch the boy to see if he was going to run now,
nor did she watch her purse which she left behind her on the daybed” (79).
Roger begins to respond to Mrs. Jones in a positive way. Hughes tells the
readers that Roger “did not want to be mistrusted now” (79). Her trust in Roger
is beginning to create a relationship between them.
Mrs. Jones’s generosity to Roger extends beyond her sharing a meal with
him. Roger tells her that he tried to steal her purse in order to get money for a
pair of blue suede shoes. Mrs. Jones then does a remarkable thing. She takes
money from her purse and says, “Now here, take these ten dollars and buy
yourself some blue suede shoes. And next time, do not make the mistake of
latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s—because shoes come by
devilish like that will burn your feet” (78). She bids him goodnight, and Roger
wants to express his gratitude but cannot find words more eloquent than a
simple “thank you.” However, Hughes leaves the readers with the definite
impression that Roger has been profoundly touched by the generosity of Mrs.
Jones.
Some teachers are brilliant instructors due to their superior education.
Others make excellent teachers because they are adept as communicators.
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones emerges not from a university but rather
from a hotel beauty shop to become Roger’s teacher. Her courage, trust, and
generosity communicate more to Roger than mere words ever could.
Character Analysis Prewriting

Great Starter:
______________________________________________________________________________
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Thesis Statement:
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Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3

Adjective #1 Adjective #2 Adjective #3
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
Example Example Example
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
Quote Quote Quote
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
Explain Explain Explain
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
__________________ ___________________ ___________________
Great Finisher:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.

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What are the main requirements for writing a character analysis essay?

What are the main requirements for writing a character analysis essay?

What are the main components that should be included in the thesis statement?

What are the main components that should be included in the thesis statement?

Character Analysis Essay

OUTPUT: Your OUTPUT is to write a character analysis of a major character

 Anastasia  Badoy Montiya

Writing Your Thesis Statement

For Example: Through Miss Maudie Atkinson’s open-mindedness, optimism, and

Example #2 A Quote within a Quote

Example #3 Changing a word or two in a quotation to clarify its meaning.

This sample essay is an example of an “A” essay.

When great teachers are mentioned, most people think of biology

instructors, football coaches, Girl Scout leaders, and others in similar

positions. However, some of the greatest teachers may be individuals not

normally classified as teachers. Roger, a character in the short story “Thank

You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, encounters such an unusual teacher on a

Jones teaches Roger a lesson he will remember.

Roger is a would-be thief. At about eleven o’clock one night, he runs up

is beginning to create a relationship between them.

latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s—because shoes come by

Some teachers are brilliant instructors due to their superior education.

Others make excellent teachers because they are adept as communicators.

generosity communicate more to Roger than mere words ever could.

Character Analysis Prewriting

Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3

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