Character Sketch Analysis
Definition:
A character sketch analysis focuses on a specific character in the work of
literature. Although the paper may include references about the author or the time
period, the paper should focus on an insight on a character in the story and use examples
from the story to make points.
Thesis: The Thesis (or topic) should meet the following criteria:
1. Assertive (a clear statement revealing the student’s analysis of a character
from the book, not a question or general impression of the book)
2. Controversial (a statement clearing advocating one viewpoint of a
character when discussing a controversial topic, not an obvious fact from
the book or unimportant issue)
3. Verifiable (a statement that can be proven using examples from the book,
not a general statement or statement that cannot be clearly proven)
4. Specific (a statement that focuses on one viewpoint of a character and uses
specific evidence and analysis from the book)
Points:
Students must find at least three specific examples from the book that prove
their thesis. Students must give additional explanation clearly showing the quote or
paraphrase’s significance. Also, include the page number(s) for each quote or
paraphrase. Students are welcome to use more than three examples.
Although detailed references to the work are necessary, avoid technical description for its
own sake (for example, discussing the historical setting of the story when you are writing an
essay on theme). Use summary strategically (use present tense when summarizing).
Quotes or Paraphrases:
Use quotes and paraphrases strategically, using only passages
that are essential to your purpose and always analyzing quotes or paraphrases rather than
leaving them by themselves. Quotes and paraphrases should always form complete
sentences. Be sure to include the author’s last name (for the 1st quote/paraphrase) and
page number (for ALL quotes/paraphrases) in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
Always position the parentheses inside the closing period of your sentence, such as (Orwell
53). 2nd and 3rd quotes or paraphrases should look like this (54).
Title: Use a creative title for the review. The title is not punctuated with underlining or
quotation marks. It should be original with you and appropriate for the book.
1st Paragraph:
Introduce the book using its full title and the full name of the author.
Also, clearly state the thesis of the paper. You may either summarize what points you will
use to prove your thesis or include a brief summary of the book before introducing the
thesis. Must be at least 4 sentences or more.
2nd – 4th Paragraphs:
In the first sentence, clearly state your point proving your thesis.
Be sure to use additional sentences analyzing the significance of your point and explaining
the context you are taking the quote or paraphrase from. Each paragraph should be at
least 4 sentences or more.
5th Paragraph:
Repeat the thesis (not necessarily in the same words) and then reflect
on the implications or an important piece of information related to the thesis. Avoid
unnecessary summary, such as repeating all of your points without any new information.
Must be at least 4 sentences or more.
(Students may have more than 5 paragraphs in their reports. However, they must have a
minimum of 5 paragraphs to receive full credit.)
Pledge:
Please indicate how much of the book was read for the report. For instance,
if you have read the entire report, please copy “I have read the entire book since this
report was assigned.” If you did not finish the book, please state which page you read up
to. BE HONEST!
Reminder:
Use MLA format (see MLA handout). This means no contractions, using 1st
person (except for 3rd paragraph), fragments, comma splices, subject-verb errors,
incorrect pronouns, or pencil. Remember to skip lines when writing! While typing is
preferable, students may handwrite their reports in blue or black ink if their handwriting is
legible.
Character Sketch Analysis
 Message
o
________ One main character and a distinguishing quality is discussed (4 points)
o
________ The paper has a creative title about the character & quality (4 points)
o
________ Thesis & restated thesis are clearly present (4 points)
o
________ Thesis & restated thesis are assertive, controversial, & verifiable (6 points)
o
________ Three or more main points clearly supporting the thesis (6 points)
o
________ Each main point has at least one developing paragraph (8 points)
o
________ 3 or more quotes or paraphrases are integrated in 3 main points (8 points)
o
________ Points are well-argued or explained (8 points)
 Mechanics
o
________ Works Cited page is present with correct format & necessary
information(8 points)
o
________ Correct citation for quotes and paraphrases (4 points)
o
________ MLA format (see sheet) (8 points)
o
________ No serious errors (8 points)
o
________ No spelling mistakes (8 points)
o
________ No capitalization/punctuation mistakes (8 points)
 Read
o
________Student reads the entire book (8 points)
o
________Total Points