Character Analysis Essay
Assignment: You will write a five- paragraph character analysis of the character you elected to
follow in the novel Downriver. You will use your character graphic organizer, journals, and the
graffiti heads to aid you in this process.
1st Paragraph - Introduction
Introductory paragraph should include:
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Hook (Good Beginning)
Author Title
Extremely brief summary
Thesis
2nd Paragraph – Personality and Type – Evaluate character’s personality
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Write about character’s traits, strengths (Three Dominant Traits)
Weaknesses
Likes and dislikes
Text Support
3rd Paragraph – Relationships and Conflicts
 Character’s relationship with self and others
 Character’s conflicts and struggles (internal and external)
 Text Support
4th Paragraph – Character Development
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Character’s growth or decline over time
Actions in beginning, middle and end of the story.
Discuss (catalyst) external circumstances that led to change.
Text Support
5th Paragraph – Conclusion
 Restate thesis
 Add final thoughts about character and or novel
 Happy Ending
Character Analysis Essay Requirements
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Thesis statement should be stated directly in introduction and proven throughout essay.
Minimum of at least one quotation from the novel in each of the three body paragraphs to
support your ideas.
Follow MLA guidelines for quotations
Proper Heading
Title- Do not underline on put it in quotes
Typed Times Roman 12 point font and double spaced. Do not space between paragraphs.
Write in present tense verbs only
Do not use contractions
Do not use 1st and 2nd person pronouns
Do not use slang and non-specific words (thing, guy, kid)
Text Support Basic Quotations
Provide a tagline - Introduction to your quotations that help the reader understand its
meaning.
Ex. A change in Jem’s attitude toward the Radleys is shown when Scout
reports, “Less than two weeks later we found a whole package of chewing gum, which we
enjoyed. The fact that everything on the Radley Place was poison having slipped Jem’s memory”
(60)
Because you have introduced the author in the introductory paragraph, it is not necessary to name
the author in each citation; only the page number is needed.
Character Analysis Essay Outline
I.
II.
Interesting Title
Paragraph 1: Introduction
A. Hook (Good Beginning)
B. Author
C. Title of Book
D. Summary- Extremely brief chief
E. Thesis
III.
Paragraph 2: First Body Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence (What this paragraph will discuss, how it will prove your thesis)
B. Context for quote (Tag Line)
C. Who says it?
D. What is happening in the text when he/she says it?
E. Quote from text (proper citation)
How does it prove your thesis? DO NOT WRITE WE KNOW THIS BECAUSE…
F. Closing Sentence (Wrap up paragraph and use transition to next paragraph)
IV.
Paragraph 3: Second Body Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence (What this paragraph will discuss, how it will prove your thesis)
B. Context for quote (Tag Line)
C. Who says it?
D. What is happening in the text when he/she says it?
E. Quote from text (proper citation)
How does it prove your thesis? DO NOT WRITE WE KNOW THIS BECAUSE…
F. Closing Sentence (Wrap up paragraph and use transition to next paragraph)
V.
Paragraph 4: First Body Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence (What this paragraph will discuss, how it will prove your thesis)
B. Context for quote (Tag Line)
C. Who says it?
D. What is happening in the text when he/she says it?
E. Quote from text (proper citation)
How does it prove your thesis? DO NOT WRITE WE KNOW THIS BECAUSE…
F. Closing Sentence (Wrap up paragraph and use transition to next paragraph)
VI.
Conclusion
A. Summarize your thoughts
B. Restate Thesis
C. Happy Ending