How to Write a Character Analysis The Crucible

A strong character analysis will Describe the character Discuss the conflict in the story, particularly in regards to the character’s place in it Explain how the author uses the character to develop his/her theme or how the character represents/symbolizes the author’s purpose.

Identify the type of character Protagonist Tragic Hero (a great or virtuous character in a  dramatic tragedy who is destined  for downfall, suffering, or defeat) Antagonist Major/minor Dynamic or Static Round Flat

Consider if he/she is static or dynamic Was the change gradual or rapid? Was it subtle or obvious? Are the changes significant to the story or are they a minor counterpoint? What was his/her motivation to change? What situations or characters encouraged the change? How does the character learn from or deal with the change?

Psychological/Personality Traits Do these characteristics aid in the characters being consistent, believable, adequately motivated and interesting? Do the characteristics emphasize and focus on the character’s role in the story’s plot?

Motivation Is the character ethical? Is he/she trying to do the right thing, but going about it the wrong way? Is the motivation because of emotion (love,hate) or a decision (revenge, promotion)?

Behavior/Actions Does the character act in a certain way consistently? Or is the character erratic?

Describing Character With other characters in the story Relationships Weaknesses/Faults With other characters in the story How others see/react to him/her Typical tragic weakness is pride Could be anything: dishonesty, corruption, greed, etc.

Conflict in the Story Man vs. society/religion Man vs. man/antagonist Man vs. nature Man vs. fate/destiny Man vs. self

Connection to Purpose Once you analyze a character for his or her actions, motivations, conflicts, development, etc, think about what purpose they serve in the bigger picture of the play. Why did Miller include the characters he did and present them in the way he did? What do the characters represent? How are they symbolic? What are they telling us about humanity? How is this connected to his purpose for writing? I know, your brain hurts…this is where you have to think!!!!

Thesis Your thesis will connect your characters to Miller’s purpose. BAD: The Crucible had many characters that supported Miller’s purpose. GOOD: Miller’s purpose was to ____________________ and he demonstrates this through the characters of _________, ____________, & _____________. GOOD: Miller’s purpose was to _____________________ and this is evident when he portrays the human traits of ______, _______, & ________ in the character(s) (if only one, include name – if more than one character, it’s too listy!) in The Crucible.

Paragraph Structure Review Two-Chunk Body Paragraph Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence – TS Sent. #2 – Concrete Detail CD– Introduce QUOTE (Give context, speaker, etc) & include quote. You can always shorten it – see additional notes – EMBED!!) Sent. #3 – Commentary CM - (This shows that…) Sent. #4 – CM – (It also indicates…OR …This is because…OR… This is important because…) – SO WHAT!? Connect back to author’s purpose/theme. REPEAT with 2nd CD (#5) & 2 CMs (Sentences 6 & 7) Sent. #8 – Concluding Sentence – CS – Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…). Transitions to next body paragraph (all but last body paragraph)