1. Character Analysis
Essay writing

2. Choosing a topic
Choose one of the main characters in your Independent novel
protagonist or antagonist
Consider that you are setting out to prove something about this
will need to identify 3 character traits,
discuss and analyze those traits,
and then come to some conclusion about the character based on the analysis of the traits.

3. Paragraph 1: The Introduction
Follow ANT
A: Attention grabber
Consider using a quotation from the story or a line of a song lyric that reminds you of that character
N: Necessary information
Author’s full name, title of the story, brief plot summary
T: Thesis
Your thesis should consist of a topic and limiting ideas. It should NEVER be a question. It should be the last sentence of the intro paragraph.
Thesis should make clear what characteristics you are writing on and what they add to the story.

4. Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Body Body Paragraphs should follow TIQAT
T: Topic Sentence
Ex: Sarty’s fear of his father keeps him loyal to the family for much of the story, despite the fact that he knows his father is breaking the law.
Character trait introduced: Loyal
I: Introduce Quote
Give some context to the quote
Who’s speaking?
What are the circumstances?
Q: Quote
Provide a quote that supports the topic sentence
A: Analysis
After the quote, spend two or three sentences discussing how this quote proves that the character displays this trait
T: Transition
Use a sentence to transition into a SECOND quote for support
After 2nd quote, provide context and analysis. Then transition to next paragraph

5. Analyzing Character Traits
Consider the following when analyzing your character
Appearance and Name
List the direct characterization of the character’s appearance. Then analyze how the appearance helps to develop the character
Actions
List actions of the character. Then analyze how those actions define the character.
Speech
List some relevant dialogue that helps to define your character

6. Analyzing Character Traits
Thoughts and Feelings
List thoughts and feelings of character and determine how these define the character
Choices
List the choices made by your character. These reveal the character’s value and self concept
Past/Biography
Examine family history or past experiences of character
Comments
What do other character’s say about your character? What does that reveal?

7. Paragraph 5: The Conclusion
Reword your thesis
Tie all three character traits together
Tell the reader the significance or importance of the ideas you have been analyzing
Is your character round or flat?
Is your character static or dynamic?
Clincher: Try to end the paper with a short sentence that reinforces your argument
Maybe include words from attention grabber or title to give closure to your paper