Name:____________________________________
9(3) Language Arts
Character Analysis Paragraph
Directions: Use the template to draft a paragraph about a character from the story we are reading in
class. Use the sentence beginnings provided and insert your own ideas for the underlined portions.
Follow the order provided, but write sentences as a unified paragraph on a separate sheet of paper.
Template:
1. (Author’s name) story, (insert title) , is about (summarize the plot).
2. One interesting character in the story is (insert name of your character).
3. Throughout the story, (character’s) actions are motivated by (what?).
4. As shown by (choose one: the character’s speech/appearance/thoughts/ actions/ others’
opinions), the character can be described as (character trait/adjective #1).
5. For example, (give a direct quote or example from the story to SHOW the trait).
6. This shows that (explain your example and relate it to adjective #1).
7. In addition, (choose one: the character’s speech/appearance/thoughts/ actions/ others’
opinions), shows that he/she is also (character trait adjective #2).
8. For instance, (give a direct quote or example from the story to SHOW the trait).
9. This shows that (explain your example and relate it to adjective #2).
10. (Character’s name) is a (flat/round) character because (explain your answer).
11. He/she would also be considered a (static/dynamic) character because (explain why you feel he
has changed or stayed the same).
12. Overall, I (like, dislike, admire, etc…) him/her because (explain the reason for your opinion).
Keep this template in the literature section of your binder as a reference for character analysis
paragraphs we will write throughout the year
Use these sentences as EXAMPLES, but combine yours TOGETHER in ONE
paragraph!
Template:
1. Richard Connell’s story, “The Most Dangerous Game”, is about a man named
Rainsford who finds himself on a mysterious island. Rainsford meets a creepy
man named General Zaroff who hunts humans, eludes the General in a man
on man hunt, and eventually kills the General.
2. One interesting character in the story is Rainsford.
3. Throughout the story, Rainsford’s actions are motivated by his competitive
nature and his fear of death.
4. As shown by Rainsford’s actions and his determination to survive, the
character can be described as courageous.
5. For example, after the general escapes the first trap, Rainsford makes a new
trap: “His hands were tight closed as if his nerve were something tangible that
someone in the darkness was trying to tear from his grip. The softness of the
earth had given him an idea. He stepped back from the quicksand a dozen feet
or so and, like some huge prehistoric beaver, he began to dig.”
6. This shows that Rainsford is courageous, because he tries to fight back.
7. In addition, Rainsford’s thoughts show that he is also calm.
8. For instance, he says to himself "I must keep my nerve. I must keep my nerve,"
he said to himself through tight teeth.”
9. This shows that Rainsford is calm, because even when he is terrified, he
motivates himself to control his fear.
10. Rainsford is a round character because we learn about his true character and
know many things about him like his competitiveness, his skill, and his
bravery.
11. He would also be considered a dynamic character because at the beginning of
the story, he didn’t care about animals, but at the end, he knows their fear.
12. Overall, I admire him because he keeps his courage, even under fire.
Example Character Analysis Paragraph
Richard Connell’s story, “The Most Dangerous Game”, is about a man
named Rainsford who finds himself on a mysterious island. Rainsford
meets a creepy man named General Zaroff who hunts humans, eludes
the General in a man on man hunt, and eventually kills the General. One
interesting character in the story is Rainsford. Throughout the story,
Rainsford’s actions are motivated by his competitive nature and his fear
of death. As shown by Rainsford’s actions and his determination to
survive, the character can be described as courageous. For example,
“His hands were tight closed as if his nerve were something tangible that
someone in the darkness was trying to tear from his grip. The softness of
the earth had given him an idea. He stepped back from the quicksand a
dozen feet or so and, like some huge prehistoric beaver, he began to
dig.” This shows that Rainsford is courageous, because he tries to fight
back. In addition, Rainsford’s thoughts show that he is also calm. For
instance, "I must keep my nerve. I must keep my nerve," he said to
himself through tight teeth.” This shows that Rainsford is calm, because
even when he is terrified, he motivates himself to control his fear.
Rainsford is a round character because we learn about his true character.
He would also be considered a dynamic character because at the
beginning of the story, he didn’t care about animals, but at the end, he
knows their fear. Overall, I admire him because he keeps his courage,
even under fire.