Character Analysis Character analysis is a way to use clues from the story to learn more about the characters. It is important because it helps us understand the story and the people in it. It helps make the people in the story real and more interesting. Prepared by Alexa Dimakos for LA Mission College Writing Lab

How we learn about the characters Direct way: The author tells you exactly what he/she wants you to know about the character. Indirect way: The author lets the characters reveal their personalities through what they think, say or do.

Physical Traits of the Characters What does the character look like? How does he or she dress or move? Ex: Height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothing

Character History What is the character’s history or background? In the Amy Tan’s story, where is the mother from? What happened to her? What does this say about her character?

Character Behavior How does the character behave or act? What is the mother’s attitude towards America? How does the mother in “Two Kinds” behave towards her daughter? What are some of the things she makes her daughter do? What are some words or phrases we can use to describe the character?

Character Relationships What relationship does this character have with the other characters in the text? How does the daughter feel about the mother? Does their relationship change?

Creating a thesis Using the information we have discussed about the mother, how would you describe her in one sentence? Think about main points. What is most important about the mother?