CHARACTER SKETCH OR ANALYSIS



Assignment:

Write a formal essay on your chosen character and why this character is so gripping. This essay must be a minimum of five paragraphs. While you do not have to directly quote a character, you must include at least two examples (evidence) that proves your point; this will involve paraphrasing rather than direct quotations (unless you have text available).

A character sketch is a written analysis of a character detailing physical characteristics, as well as personality traits. It is usually done by providing descriptive words, which will illustrate the character's traits, and by giving examples (quotes) from the story which support each of those traits.

This essay will include any or all of the following considerations:

Identify the character

Detail why this character was chosen

What passion this character summons and why

Any identification you share with this character

Ask yourself such questions as

How is the character built (using the language of the discipline)?

What kind of characterizations are employed? (direct/indirect)?

How is the character revealed?

What are the characters conflicts or flaws?

Does the character demonstrate any ironies or contradictions?

What are the characters struggles and how are they confronted?

How does the character change?

Why does the character change?

What psychological forces are at play within this character?

How is the character influenced by internal conflicts?

How is the character influenced by external conflicts?

Is there a lesson in this character’s behavior – good or bad?

Conclusion

Predict what will happen to the character in the end – what job, what type of spouse, where will they live, who are their friends? Any other inference for the future?

The format of the character sketch is a five paragraph essay which could be

a. introduction, physical description, actions and abilities, moods and feelings, and a conclusion, or

b. introduction, trait one and examples, trait two and examples, trait three and examples and conclusion.

Format (a.)

1. Introduction: This paragraph gives the name of the character, the Title of the story or piece of literature or drama in which the character appears, and the name of the author. The paragraph should contain one or two general statements about the character. First sentence is broad introductory lead sentence. Last sentence is thesis and should include TOE.

2. Physical - Description: This paragraph provides the description of what the character looks like and, perhaps, dresses like. It usually includes those available details about age, height, weight, physical build, state of health and any distinguishing marks or conditions (scars, tattoos, etc.).

3. Actions & Abilities: These are traits which describe the things that the character does, or is capable of doing. They may be specific things or they may be abstract traits of the character. These are best illustrated by the use of examples from the text which show the character emulating that particular trait.

4. Moods. Feelings & Attitudes: These are personal reactions to various situations. This paragraph concentrates on the emotional makeup of the character. Again, specific examples from the story should be used to illustrate these emotional traits of the character.

5. Conclusion: The last paragraph provides a basic summary of the character. It may contain comments about the realism of the character, or how the character might act in real life. It might also incorporate the theme of the story and how the character illustrates that theme.

Format (b.)

Introduction and conclusion are the same. Character traits should be described in detail and supported with evidence from the story.

 

Character traits or qualities can usually be divided into two categories: favourable and unfavourable. Aside from the general qualities, they can be organized into categories such as physical, mental, moral, spiritual, and social qualities. These traits or qualities can be selected as they relate to the organization of the character sketch.

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