1. Character Traits- qualities of a character
What are some of Holden’s character traits?

2. How to Write a Character Analysis Essay
Zeroing in on Holden Caulfield

3. Analyze these character Traits
Body Language
Physical Descriptions
Relation to Other Characters
Beliefs
Thoughts
Actions
Language

4. Remember what we did for the body biographies
Remember what we’ve learned about integrity and reliability, and be sure to include comments about each in your paper. ESPECIALLY be sure to include why Holden’s integrity or reliability matter to the reader.

5. Identify a few character traits (around 3)
Which character traits do you think are most important?
Which traits best reveal Holden’s character?
Pick out passages/examples from the text where Holden’s characteristics are best illustrated.

6. For Example, In “The Yellow wall-paper”
The narrator could be characterized by her
Oppression, with an example of her husband trying to keep her in bed (relation to other characters)
Creativity, as an independent writer (beliefs)
Rebellion, against conventions and norms (what a woman is expected to do and what the narrator does) (actions)

7. Let’s draft a paragraph about the narrator’s oppression
I need to include
A statement about the characteristic/character trait
An example from the text that illustrates the characteristic
Explain the significance of that character trait/what it means for the story

8. A statement about the Character trait
In “The Yellow Wall-Paper,” the narrator is consistently oppressed by other characters. (statement)
We can see this most clearly in her interactions with her husband. (transition into the example)

9. Example from the text
I want to include an example about how John won’t let the narrator leave the room with the yellow wallpaper.
“‘What is it, little girl?” he said. ‘Don’t go walking about like that– you’ll get cold.’”
“‘Why, darling!’ said he, ‘our lease will be up in three weeks, and I can’t see how to leave before.’”
This dialogue from page 513 shows how John keeps her in the room when she does not want to stay. Rather than treating her with respect, John is most interested in keeping her contained and under control. The room contains a bed that is “nailed down,” keeping the narrator in place, and all of her movements are monitored (511).

10. Significance of the narrator’s oppression
I need to explain here why her oppression is important in the story.
John’s oppression of the narrator becomes the setting of the story. (transition into the significance of the character trait).
The narrator’s oppression by other characters in the story implies that the narrator might be unreliable, or is at least seen that way by the other characters.

11. Now you try!
Pick a characteristic of Holden that you think illustrates his character.
Find an example from the text that illustrates that characteristic.
Explain the significance of the characteristic.
When you have a draft, find a partner who also has a drafted paragraph and evaluate the three components listed above.
I will be circulating through the room to answer your questions and make suggestions about your drafts.

12. Introductory and Conclusion Paragraphs
Wrapping up your essay

13. From your body paragraphs
You now have an in-depth analysis of Holden. Your have considered his integrity and his reliability. You have identified three significant character traits. In your introduction and conclusion, you need to write an appraisal of his character overall. What do the three character traits mean in regards to Holden as a character? How does Holden’s character impact the story? What might the other characters be saying about Holden? You have zoomed in to analyze each character trait. Now, you need to zoom back out.

14. Address These Two Things
A reflection of Holden’s character: How do the three character traits fit together?
An explanation of the significance of Holden as a character: How does Holden fit in the story? What function or purpose does he serve?