Short Story Character Analysis 9th Literature Ms. Oliveira

Introduction 1st Sentence: General Statement about topic. Includes author and title of work. 2nd Sentence: Introduces the character 3 and 4th Sentences: Gives general information about the character and their relationships in the novel 5th Claim Statement: Tells the reader what your entire essay is about; includes the character’s one characteristic and your So what or Why?

Example Introduction In Roald’s Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter,” a husband’s surprising news destroys his wife’s idea of the perfect family. When Patrick Maloney returns home from work, he tells his wife, Mary, that he is leaving her. After giving her the news, he urges her not to be upset and to calm down. Unfortunately for him, her emotions get the best of her and cause her to murder him with a frozen lamb’s leg. All in all, Patrick’s intolerance for Mary’s emotions lead to his tragic murder.

Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence: Must tell the reader what the paragraph will be about Must link to the thesis statement Contains transitional words or phrases Can’t be a quote or a question Body Sentences: Must contain at least 2 examples to support your topic sentence and thesis Conclusion Sentence: Conclude the paragraph by briefly summing up your statement or bring your argument to a close

Because Mary’s entire world revolves around Patrick, his adultery becomes a fatal mistake. As she prepares for his arrival, she prepares the house by making it warm and preparing Patrick’s nightly drink. When he returns home from work, she likes to “luxuriate in [his] presence” (Jacobs 1). Unfortunately, he has been sharing his love with another woman. He tries to soften the blow by telling Mary, “I'll give you money and see you're looked after” (Jacobs 2). Of course, this promise does little to alleviate her anger and shock.

Quotes (Short is Sweeter) All quotes must have a lead-in (Tessie yells,; The narrator declares,: Mrs. White cries, etc.) that introduces the speaker of the quote. Example: In anguish over the death of her son, Mrs. White cries to her husband, “Bring him back” (Jacobs 5). Obviously her sorrow has overcome her rational thoughts. 2. All quotes must have an explanation immediately afterward. (see above) 3. All quotes must be documented with parenthetical documentation. The parentheses include the author’s last name and a page number. 4. You may work a quote into a sentence, but it must not be dropped into a paragraph. Tessie is actually late for the lottery because she didn’t want to “leave her dishes in the sink” (Jackson 14). Ironically, everyday details like this fool the reader into thinking that the lottery is a “good” thing.

Conclusion Summarizes each of your body paragraphs Use one/two sentences to restate your support and argument End with a final statement about your argument and character