Name:
Period:
To Kill a Mockingbird:
Character Analysis
Directions: Before beginning to read, select a character you would like to focus on for this
assignment. You will be writing a character analysis based on your character’s attitude and
behavior that you observe while reading. You are responsible for tracking your character as we
read.
NOTE: This is the GREEN of the essay you're going to write!
What is a character analysis?
A character analysis describes a character’s attitude and behavior by using quotes from the text
to prove their motives. You will choose THREE character traits that best describe your
character’s personality and use quotes to support those traits. For example, three traits you could
choose to describe Odysseus would be brave, cunning, and intelligent. The quotes you choose to
support these traits will be examples of what the character says or does.
Characters: [PICK ONE – Circle your choice]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Scout Finch
Jem Finch
Atticus
Aunt Alexandra
Calpurnia
Tom Robinson
Bob Ewell
Mayella Ewell
For each quote you select, you will:
I.
II.
III.
Identify the speaker (who said it?) and situation (when/why was it being said?)
Include the quote
Explain the significance of the quote in 2-3 sentences (how does it support your chosen
theme?)
Essay Requirements-Must be in MLA format!
12 pt, Times New Roman font
Typed, double spaced
MLA heading and page headers
5 paragraph essay
Outline for Character Analysis:
Intro Paragraph (5-7 sentences):



Introduces the topic and gives background info for reader
Includes title of the novel and author’s name
Last sentence is thesis statement
Body Paragraphs (7-12 sentences):



Uses SSQS format
Provides two quotes that support the descriptive trait for the character
Does NOT summarize- explains how the quotes describe your chosen character and why
they are important
Conclusion Paragraph (5-7 sentences):



Rewords thesis
Summarize the 3 traits discussed and how they prove the attitude and behavior of your
chosen character
Ends with clincher- leave your reader with a lasting thought
You will be graded on the following:





5 fully developed paragraphs
Thesis statement with 3 traits that describe your character
2 quotes per body paragraph
Each body paragraph focuses on ONE character trait
MLA format
Ch/Pg #
Chap.
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Chap
Pg_____
Speaker
Situation
Quote
Significance
Character Analysis Rough Draft
Intro Paragraph (Start with a grabber, connecting/bridge sentences, and end with a thesis):
Grabber:______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Thesis:________________________________________________________________________
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Body Paragraph #1 (First adjective, use your SSQS chart-must have 2 quotes):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph #2 (Second adjective, use your SSQS chart-must have 2 quotes):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph #3 (Third adjective, use your SSQS chart-must have 2 quotes):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion (Reword your thesis, summarize your essay, and end with a clincher):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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