Character Analysis Essay Mr. Randles English I

Directions Read the analysis of the introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs Use the analysis to help you write your own essay When typing your essay, make sure to –Use 12-point, Times New Roman Font –Double space your lines –Center title of essay at top of page—Quotation marks (Do not bold, Do not underline!) –No clip art, no bold font...Follow the directions

Introductory Paragraph 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. The story tells not only of the encounter, but also the kindness Roger experiences following the encounter. Because she is a fearless, trustful, and generous woman, Mrs. Jones teaches Roger a lesson he will remember.

Introductory Paragraph-- Analyzed Hook the Reader’s Attention 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. Transition into title/author Roger, a character in the short story “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, encounters such an unusual teacher on a city sidewalk. Background of story/Synopsis of Plot The story tells not only of the encounter, but also the kindness Roger experiences following the encounter. Thesis Statement (Character and three traits) Because she is a fearless, trustful, and generous woman, Mrs. Jones teaches Roger a lesson he will remember.

Body Paragraph Roger is a would-be thief. 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.

Body Paragraph-- Analyzed Roger is a would-be thief. 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. Topic Sentence: Refers back to thesis statement (“Because she is a fearless, trustful, and generous woman, Mrs. Jones teaches Roger a lesson he will remember”) States what this paragraph is all about Support Sentences: These sentences “show” what Mrs. Jones did that made her “fearless.” They specifically described the incident. They do not assume that the reader of the essay has read this story (“Thank You M’am”) before. They have quotes embedded in them (AND page numbers, too!)

Concluding Paragraph 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.

Concluding Paragraph 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. Refers back to hook used to capture reader’s attention Re-states point of paper— that Mrs. Jones is Roger’s teacher Echoes thesis statement (It doesn’t repeat it; it “Echoes” it.)