The Character Analysis Essay Part One of Three

The Blueprint Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Conclusion Paragraph

The Introductory Paragraph Introductions need FOUR elements: The hook The title of the work and author Sentences describing your character The thesis statement

The Hook The hook grabs the reader and pulls them into the essay. Your hook needs three things: title of work, author, and character name. Choice A: The title of the story is Downsiders and it is written by Neal Shusterman. Choice B: I am going to tell you about a book called Downsiders that is written by Neal Shusterman and there is a character in it named Talon. Choice C: In the fantasy novel Downsiders, Neal Shusterman introduces the main character, Talon. Which choice is the best?

Character Description Include 2-3 sentences that paint a picture of your character’s personality. These sentences will be your OPINIONS of this character – not factual. Avoid physical descriptions and factual information (age, grade in school, etc.). Talon is a character torn by his curiosity about the Topside and his allegiance to the rules of the Downside. Talon’s dedication to his sister spurs him to enter the Topside, but once there, he falls in love with the ways of the Topside. The decisions he makes causes a chain reaction of events that he must find a way to fix.

The Thesis Statement The thesis statement is the LAST sentence of your introduction. It should include the character’s name and the THREE character traits you will be discussing in the order in which they will be discussed. In the novel Downsiders, Talon is a curious and impulsive character that is also disloyal. (Notice the thesis statement is PARALLEL!!!)

Things to remember… No contractions Write in THIRD person (no I, my, you, etc.) Write in a formal style (“Hello” instead of “Hi” or “Yo!”) No text evidence in the introduction paragraph. Character traits are listed in the order they will be discussed in the body paragraphs.