English I
The Odyssey
Writing Opportunity: Characterization
Now that we are almost finished with The Odyssey, I’d like you to focus on one particular
character in order to come to a conclusion about that character.
Directions: Select ANY character from The Odyssey and write an analytical essay.
Your analysis should be comprehensive and provide your reader with a a vivid picture of
him or her.
Remember, to analyze means to break down into its parts. You are, essentially,
breaking down this character into parts, in order to draw a conclusion about him or her. Your
thesis statement will state that conclusion (what you are proving) and will offer proof of
this conclusion (how you will prove it) by using characterization techniques.
Possible character choices:
Penelope
Athena
Antinous
Eurymachos
Telemachos
Eumaeus
Poseidon
Zeus
Hermes
Calypso
Circe
Menelaus
Helen
Nestor
Odysseus
Agamemnon
Nausicaa
Alcinous
Arete
Polyphemus
Eurycleia
Once you’ve selected your character, determine WHAT you will prove about him or her.
For example,
_______ is the fiercest obstacle for Odysseus
_______ is the strongest negative influence on Penelope
_______ is the main father figure in the story
_______ is a true Greek hero
_______ is the best storyteller in the epic
_______ is the character who most influences Odysseus
_______ is the key member of Team Odysseus
Then, HOW will you prove this? because he/she is
loyal, clever, thoughtful?
strong, brave, trustworthy?
proud, weak-minded, predictable?
Finally, within your body paragraphs, you will discuss AT LEAST FOUR characterization
techniques that will prove those qualities, ultimately proving your thesis.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
physical description
the character’s speech
the character’s thoughts, feelings, actions
the reactions of other characters to those words, thoughts, feelings, or actions
the narrator’s direct comments about the character
an anecdote
The Thesis Statement should NOT list the characterization techniques, but rather the
qualities of the character these techniques reveal.
PREWRITE AND ROUGH DRAFT DUE:
PREWRITE
Name______________Per___
I. Your Character:
II. Key qualities: (brainstorm a list of 5 - 7 qualities of this character. Was he friendly?
loyal? weak? kind? brilliant? controlling? etc........)
III. Narrow your focus: From the above list, select THREE key qualities of this
character.
1.
2.
3.
4.
IV. Characterization techniques: When you characterize someone, remember that
you are focusing on more than just what the character does. Fill in the following information
with SPECIFICS from the epic that support your three qualities (listed above).
USE DIRECT QUOTES! Cite lines appropriately.
Techniques:
1. Physical Description
2. Speech
3. Thoughts and feelings
4. Actions
What do these reveal
about the character?
5. Reactions of other characters
to him/her
6. Narrator’s direct comments about the
character - including epithets
7. An anecdote (short story) either told
about him or that he tells himself:
V. Thesis statement:
Considering the above information, select THREE qualities you will discuss about
the character by discussing at LEAST FOUR characterization techniques. Then, considering
the qualities, determine WHAT you will prove about the character.
The thesis statement should NOT list the characterization techniques, but rather
the qualities of the characer these techniques reveal.