Sample Character Analysis Paragraphs
ADVANCED:
Margaret Narwin, a major character in Nothing But the Truth, a novel by Avi, is, at times,
distressed. For example, in the beginning of the novel, she indicates her concern about her
students when she writes, “…students today are not what they used to be. There is no love of
literature.” Miss Narwin deeply values great literature, and it’s concerning to her that her
students do not appreciate it. In addition, Miss Narwin worries about her own teaching. She even
goes so far as to request money to attend a class called, “New Approaches to the Teaching of
Literature for Today’s Students.” Troubled by her seeming lack of connection with her students,
Miss Narwin is willing to put forth an extra effort to learn ways to relate to them. Finally, Miss
Narwin is troubled by the fact that people have misconstrued her intentions when she told Philip
to leave her class. Because certain administrators and community members questioned her
patriotism and professionalism, she is asked to resign. In so doing, Miss Narwin feels distraught
over the fact that she will no longer be “teaching her students…the literature [she] love[s].” In
conclusion, throughout this novel, Avi demonstrates how his character, Miss Narwin, suffers from
anxiety as a result of external factors that are well beyond her control.
INTERMEDIATE:
Margaret Narwin, a major character in Nothing But the Truth, a novel by Avi, is distressed.
For example, at the beginning of the novel, she explains that she’s very worried about her
students who do not seem to love literature like they used to. In addition, Miss Narwin worries
about her own teaching; she is concerned that she is not the best teacher she could be. Finally,
Miss Narwin is troubled by the fact that people have misconstrued her intentions when she told
Philip to leave her class—she never intended for the situation to get so out of hand. In
conclusion, throughout the novel, Miss Narwin is clearly in distress due factors out of her control.
BEGINNER:
Margaret Narwin, a major character in Nothing But the Truth, a novel by Avi, is distressed.
For example, she is worried about her students. In addition, Miss Narwin is concerned about her
teaching. Finally, Miss Narwin is troubled by the out-of-hand situation. Therefore, throughout this
story, Miss Narwin certainly demonstrates distress.
Plan Sheet for Character Analysis Paragraph
TOPIC SENTENCE:___________________________________________ the protagonist/antagonist
(name of character)
in ______________________________________________________, a ___________________________________
(title of literary work)
(short story, novel, etc.)
by __________________________________________ is ______________________________________________.
(name of author)
(character trait you are going to prove)
1st SUPPORTING SENTENCE: __________________________ , ______________________________________
(transition)
(reference to event/quote, etc.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
(FREDs: 1-2 sentences containing facts, reasons, examples, and/or details to enrich your 1st supporting sentence)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
2nd SUPPORTING SENTENCE: __________________________ , ______________________________________
(transition)
(reference to event/quote, etc.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
(FREDs: 1-2 sentences containing facts, reasons, examples, and/or details to enrich your 2nd supporting sentence)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
3rd SUPPORTING SENTENCE: __________________________ , ______________________________________
(transition)
(reference to event/quote, etc.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
(FREDs: 1-2 sentences containing facts, reasons, examples, and/or details to enrich your 3rd supporting sentence)
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Therefore, throughout this story, ________________________ certainly
demonstrates _______________________________________________________________________________.
(reminder of what you proved—rephrase it)