1. AEC Paragraph Writing:
Characterization in Things Fall Apart

2. Task
Today, you will write an AEC-style paragraph that discusses Chinua Achebe’s characterization in Things Fall Apart. You will only write about one character from the story.

3. What does AEC stands for and how is it used in writing a paragraph?

4. A E C Assertion: What’s your answer? (topic sentence)
Evidence: cite specific examples (prove it) C
Commentary: explain why the evidence proves the assertion (back it up)

5. How does Chinua Achebe use characterization in Things Fall Apart?
Question
How does Chinua Achebe use characterization in Things Fall Apart?

6. Prewriting
Decide which character you want to write about – Okonkwo, Unoka, Nwakibie, Nwoye, Ikemefuna, etc.
Insert the name into the question: How does Chinua Achebe use characterization in depicting ________ in Things Fall Apart?
Scan notes and the novel for text, words, and phrases that describe the character that you select.
Jot down page number for parenthetical citations.
In your own words, briefly explain how the author describes the character.

7. Rough Draft Use the AEC form to guide the writing of each sentence.
Write the topic sentence: Chinua Achebe uses characterization in depicting ________ in Things Fall Apart.
Cite one example of characterization from the book. Whether you paraphrase, use an excerpt, or quote, end the line with a parenthetical citation (23).
In your own words, briefly explain how the author describes the character in the example that you’ve chosen.

8. Finishing Touches How will you add an interesting beginning.
Is the last sentence summative or impactful?
Proofread for basic grammar.

9. Compose the Final Draft
Use loose leaf paper.
Write heading on the first three lines.
Center title: Characterization in Things Fall Apart.
Only indent the first line of your paragraph.
Write within the margins and write neatly.
Proofread to ensure that writing is free of errors.
Submit … your best work.

10. Would you like an example that shows what your work should look like?

11. Let us begin with prewriting …

12. Nwoye – What does the text say about him?
Example
Nwoye is Okonkwo’s first son.
“…[Nwoye] was already causing his father great anxiety for his incipient laziness. At any rate, that was how it looked to his father…” (13).
Okonkwo thinks that his son is lazy, so he always nags and beats the boy (14).
Nwoye becomes attached to Ikemefuna – the young man from Mbanio – while Ikemefuna lives with them.

13. Now, let us write the rough draft… which must have an topic sentence (assertion), details (evidence), and explanation of evidence (commentary).

14. Sample AEC Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Chinua Achebe uses characterization in depicting Nwoye in Things Fall Apart. The young 13-year-old boy is always nagged and beaten by his father because Okonkwo thinks Nwoye is lazy (14). Okonkwo fears Nwoye is going to end up like Nwoye’s unaccomplished grandfather, Unoka. The text does not support Okonkwo’s fear. Actually, Nwoye looks up to his father, but the young boy is plagued by Okonkwo’s own insecurities. All in all, Achebe gives readers a quaint but powerful image of Nwoye, the son of Umuofia’s most respected man.
Evidence/Details
Commentary

15. Remember, AEC is one tool
Remember, AEC is one tool. Here is a model example of a complete paragraph with an interesting beginning, supporting details, and a conclusion. The next slide contains an example of what a solid paragraph looks like. However, you may earn credit for your AEC paragraph if it does not have an interesting beginning.

16. E X C L N T M O D P A R G H
“Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand” (13). This statement describes the power of Okonkwo, who is respected thoughout Umuofia and the neighboring villages. He is indeed a strong man, but how is life for his children, especially a son? Chinua Achebe uses characterization in depicting Nwoye in Things Fall Apart. The young 13-year-old boy is always nagged and beaten by his father because Okonkwo thinks Nwoye is lazy (14). Okonkwo fears Nwoye is going to end up like Nwoye’s unaccomplished grandfather, Unoka. The text does not support Okonkwo’s fear. Actually, Nwoye looks up to his father, but the young boy is plagued by Okonkwo’s own insecurities. All in all, Achebe gives readers a quaint but powerful image of Nwoye, the son of Umuofia’s most respected man.