Note that student work varies significantly from one assignment to the next, even within
the same level. The intent of providing samples such as this one is to guide students in
recognizing key criteria of assignments and in assessing their own work.
SAMPLE CHARACTER SKETCH – EXCELLENT
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Strengths:
• Explanations are pertinent to the chosen trait.
• Sentences are concise and grammatically correct.
• All steps of a character sketch are complete.
• The focus on tone is most appropriate, and clear links are made to the topic
sentence and expansion.
Tips for improvement:
• Using at least one longer quotation would make further insight into Jason's
character possible.
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Jason demonstrates that he is mean in the play, “Lord, What Fools!” Meanness
involves being rude to someone. Jason is rude to Melvin when they meet up with female
friends at school and after the car breaks down on the way to the dance. While Jason is
inappropriately displaying affection to his girlfriend, Megan, in front of Melvin at school,
Melvin is critical and Jason replies, “Take off” (160). Jason should not be telling Melvin
to “take off", as Jason should be the one to change his behaviour. Melvin is going to be
helping Jason and Megan out with their evening plans, but Jason seems to be
unappreciative of that fact, which is rude on his part. That evening, after the car the
friends are traveling in breaks down, Jason says, “Out, Meal Worm” (166). Ordering
Melvin out of the car is demanding on Jason's part. Furthermore, Jason's rudeness is
evident in the use of the nickname "Meal Worm", which is not a particularly positive
label to put on someone. Therefore, Jason is mean to Melvin through his tone and by
calling him an insulting name.
Work Cited*
Pody, David, “Lord, What Fools!” Sightlines 10, Eds. Mary Crane, Barbara Fullerton,
Amanda Joseph. Toronto: Prentice Hall Canada, 2000. 157-180. Print.
*Normally, a character sketch does not require a Works Cited page. This one is provided
for reference purposes.