1. Character Analysis Paper
Of Mice and Men
Character Analysis Paper
Step by Step
Analysis of Crooks

2. Thesis
Crooks is a respectful man who only wants to be included but finds nothing but rejection and abuse.
This is one sentence that the whole paper will be about.

3. Quotes Respectful quote page 50- “Mr. Slim”
Included quote page 68- “ ’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black.”
Abuse quote page 29- “Where the hell is that god damn nigger?”
Rejection quote page 81 “ well, you keep your place then, nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.”

4. Hook
To be the odd man out of anything is never easy, but to be shunned from society is even harder.
This is one or two sentences that come before the thesis to get the readers interested.

5. Paragraph 1
Hook: To be the odd man out of anything is never easy, but to be shunned from society is even harder.
Thesis: Crooks is a respectful man who only wants to be included but finds nothing but rejection and abuse.
Hook and then Thesis (that is all that is in paragraph 1)

6. Paragraph 2 Topic sentence: Crooks treats others with respect.
Quote 1: As Crooks enters the bunkhouse he says, “ Mr Slim” (50).
Explain Quote: The polite nature with which he addresses Slim shows that he is making an effort to be respectful to him and the others. He is also respecting their space by not barging into the bunk house where he has been told he can not be.

7. Paragraph 3
Topic sentence: Crooks wants to be included in the normal activities of the men.
Quote 1: When Crooks and Lennie are talking, Crooks explains that the men do not allow him in the bunk house “ ’cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black” ( 68).
Explain Quote: Crooks opens up to Lennie about his real feelings. He wants to be included, but the color of his skin prevents it.

8. Paragraph 4
Topic sentence: Though Crooks has displayed his worthiness, he does not find friendship, only mistreatment and abuse.
Quote 1: When the men arrive at the stable one calls, “Where the hell is that god damn nigger?” (29).
Explain Quote: Crooks has a name or could be called the stable buck, but the men instead choose to use hurtful and derogatory language.

9. Paragraph 4 continued
Transition sentence: The men are not the only people on the ranch who mistreat Crooks.
Quote 1: After Crook’s has asked her to leave his room, Curly’s wife says, “Well, you keep your place then, nigger. I could get your strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny” (81).
Explain Quote: The unkind way in which the men refer to Crooks is a small reminder of his place in society, but the hard words of Curly’s wife are meant to be painful and unkind.

10. Paragraph 5 Conclusion/ Recap/Restatement of Thesis:
The harder Crooks tries to find his place, the harsher the reality that is thrust upon him; Crooks will never be included in the society of men he so desperately wishes to be a part of.

11. Put it all together in a paper
Now take all of these chunks and put it into a rough draft.