What is a Character Analysis?
To analyze means to think critically, to ask questions and to draw conclusions. A character
analysis should not be a retelling of a story but rather a thoughtful evaluation of a character's
personality, conflicts, relationships and development. It should reflect and provide examples
from the story, in the form of quotations and page references, to support the analysis.
Personality and Type
The first aspect you can analyze when writing a character analysis is the character's type. For
examples, you could explain whether the character is a hero, a sidekick or a villain. Another
factor you should evaluate is the character's personality. Write about the character's strengths,
weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Ask yourself what adjectives you would use to describe her
actions and words: brave, violent, hardworking, and dishonest? Examples of words that describe
character traits include gentle, adventurous, meek, jealous and wise.
Relationships and Conflicts
Human relationships reveal a lot about a person. Examine the character's relationships with
herself and with others. Is she a leader, faithful, jealous or generous with others? You can also
write about conflicts and struggles that the character faces, both internally and externally. For
example, does she never speak her mind and get bullied? Or does she struggle to keep a secret?
Often internal struggles are centered on the character's thoughts and morals when faced with a
problem.
Development
Often a character, especially a protagonist, changes throughout the story. Write about the
character's growth or decline over time by discussing what he was like in the beginning, middle
and end of the story. When writing about character development, make certain to address what
external circumstances led the character to change. For example, in Gary Paulsen's novel Hatchet
the protagonist Brian Robeson grows more mature, independent and brave after the plane crash
that forces him to survive alone.
Evidence
An important part of a character analysis is the evidence you give to support your analysis. The
specific examples you incorporate are direct quotations taken from the story. Remember to write
the quotations down exactly as they are written in the book and to properly use quotation marks.
Be sure to explain every quotation that you include. Tell the reader the context and setting of the
quotation and how it is an example of the point you are making.
Your Name: _______________________
Period: _________
Character Analysis - Skellig by David Almond
You are to write a Character Analysis for one character from the novel Skellig. You can choose
Michael, Skellig, or Mina.
Assignment must be typed, font size 12-Times New Roman and double-spaced.
Any late work will result in a deduction of 10 points per day.
Sample Character Analysis papers will be available for you to review on my web-site.
CHARACTER NAME: _____________________________
Criteria for Evaluation
Rating
Characterization: The analysis of your character is based upon
evidence from the novel. The evidence can come in the form of direct
quotations, paraphrasing and identification of page locations and
chapters.
The character is analyzed based upon the methods of
characterization from your notes, the relationships to other characters
and the development of the character throughout the novel.
30 25 20 15 10 5
Organization: The analysis shows an introduction, body paragraphs
and a conclusion that follow a logical sequence. The body paragraphs
are arranged by either key traits of the character or the topics on the
“What is a Character Analysis?” information sheet. The analysis is 25 pages in length.
20 18 16 14 12 10
Grammar/Usage/Mechanics: Correct grammar, sentence and
paragraph structure, spelling, punctuation and capitalization are used
for this grade level. Use of strong vocabulary is evident.
20 18 16 14 12 10
Format: Proper MLA heading, title and citations; final copy is typed
as stated on rubric. Project is neat and stapled together.
10 8 6 4 2 0
Total