TKAM: Analyzing Characterization

Characters: Authors generally include each character in a story for one or more general purposes. ● friends/allies ● enemies/antagonists ● humor ● catalyst for plot development ● theme development

Characterization: the subtle process of revealing the personality of a character in a story, uses several techniques: 1.describing the character, including appearance, likes and dislikes, etc. 2.letting us listen to the character’s inner thoughts and feelings 3.letting us hear the character speak 4.showing us what the character does (how he or she acts) 5.revealing what other characters in the story think, say or do in response to the character

Prompt: Discuss Harper Lee’s purpose for including one main character in To Kill A Mockingbird. 1.Write one paragraph exploring this subject. Discuss in detail Lee’s specific purpose in including this character and whether s/he is an effective instrument for this purpose. (Possible purposes are listed below.) 2.Include at least 3 quotes that show the characterization of this person. Weave in the quotes, using proper MLA format. USE this evidence to prove your idea about Lee’s purpose. 3.You might want to outline your ideas first, but outlining is not required.

Example Topic Sentences: ➢ Harper Lee includes the tomboy character of Scout in her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, to show how restrictive gender roles can be hurtful to a child’s sense of self. ➢ Harper Lee includes the character of Mrs. Henry Dubose in her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, to introduce the idea that a flawed and racist person can also be admirable. ➢ Harper Lee includes the character of Dolphus Raymond in her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, to suggest that people need to accept the controversial idea of interracial marriage.

Guiding Questions: ● Does the character represent an excellent or terrible example of a friend, parent, leader, or other social role? ● How does the character’s behavior connect to his/her personality, station, or situation in life? ● What does Lee seem to say about human nature through the character? ● What effect does the character have on other characters in the story?