(( How to Write a Character Analysis )) Learning how to write a character analysis requires a thorough reading of the literary work with attention to what the author reveals about the character through dialog, narrative and plot. A literary analyst writes about the role each character plays in the work. The protagonist is the most important character, while the character who plays the villain in the conflict with the main character is called the antagonist. Great writers create characters with many facets to their lives, which should be included in a character analysis. Steps (1) _______ Read the target short literary work paying careful attention to the words, actions, relationships and struggles of all the major characters as well as important minor characters. (2) _______ Take notes on all important elements that add to the depth of the main character as you read the work for a 2nd time. (3) _______ Prepare a paragraph about the main character and the role that he or she plays in the literary work. Describe the physical appearance of the character and explain what the appearance reveals about the person. Make sure to quote or paraphrase directly from the work. Important: you should provide your analysis both before and after the quote or paraphrase. Discuss the language that the character uses throughout the work. Does the character use the same language throughout or does his or her choice of language change from the introduction to the conclusion? If provided, include details about the background of the character (some of these details may have to be inferred). Where/when was the character born and raised? What kind of education does the character have? How does the characters past experience influence what he or she does or says? Write about the personality of the character. Does the character act on emotions or reason? What values does the character exhibit through words or actions? Does the character have goals or ambitions? Be specific and make sure to quote or paraphrase from the work. (4) _______ Describe and analyze the relationships that the character has with others in the story. Does the character lead or follow others in the story? Does the character have close friends and family? Use examples from the text along with your analysis. (5) _______ Explain the struggle or conflict that the character faces in the literary work. _______ Describe the important actions of the character. What do these actions tell the reader about the character and how the character faces the conflict. Describe how the character changes or grows throughout the plot of the story. Is the character better or worse at the conclusion? Memorable characters usually change or grow in a literary work of merit. (7) _______ Collect supporting material or evidence for the analysis. If the author describes the character as sloppy, you should provide specific details to show this character trait, quoting or paraphrasing directly from the work.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:42:00 +0000
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