Character Analysis

Character Analysis Honors English 10

"There is not much point in writing a novel unless you can show the possibility of moral transformation, or an increase in wisdom, operating in your chief character or characters." —Anthony Burgess Task Overview: This year we have read a variety of texts exploring a character’s quest for identity. Each character undergoes a “moral transformation” or an “increase of wisdom” along this journey, reflecting the overall theme of the text. In other words, he changes and grows as he learns from the obstacles he overcomes. You will write an essay analyzing a character’s transformation.

Your character analysis essay should:  assume your audience has read the novel. Do not summarize the plot except in the introduction.  explore how your character changes from the beginning of the novel to the end and how this reflects the overall theme of the novel.

 contain at least 3 embedded quotes that are punctuated correctly.

 name the author, genre, and title in the introduction. [Ex. In Suzanne Collin’s sequel novel Catching Fire…]

 use present tense, action verbs, and transitions.

 use at least one sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

 use at least one sentence with a subordinating conjunction.

 have an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

 make a connection to the world we live in. The best and most memorable essays make the reader feel that at any moment the character’s story might become his story. The world of the character is often not far removed from our own. What is the lesson that is applicable to our lives?

 be yours and yours alone. Do not consult outside sources (friends, parents, the internet…) to complete this. Trust yourself and your brain’s ability to think critically about a text! See me for help. 

Grading Criteria: I will score your essay on written expression, organization, supporting details, critical thinking, embedded quotations, coordinating/subordinating conjunctions, conventions of a character analysis (following the rules to writing one of these lovely essays), understanding of the novel/character, grammar, usage, and mechanics. Choices of Characters/Texts: Equality/ Anthem by Ayn Rand Siddhartha/ Siddhartha by Hermann Jin Wang/ American Born Chinese by Hesse Gene Yang Santiago/ The Alchemist by Paulo Coelhlo Use these questions to help you prepare to write your essay. 1. What is the character like in the beginning? 2. When and why does the character change?

3. What is the character like in the end?

4. What lesson does this teach the reader? (By the way, this is known as the theme!)

5. Take the information above to formulate a thesis statement. Rough Thesis:

6. Fill in the information below. Body #1 (character in the beginning): Evidence of this (page numbers of quotes):

Body #2 (why/how he changes): Evidence of this (page numbers of quotes):

Body #3 (character in the end): Evidence of this (page numbers of quotes): 7. What is the lesson in this story that is applicable to our lives? How can you help the reader relate to and care about this character and his journey? Include this in your introduction and/or conclusion.

Character Analysis Essay with Embedded Quotes CATEGORY 4 3 2 1 Thesis and Content There is one clear, well- Thesis is clear but Thesis is somewhat clear but The thesis is not clear. focused thesis. Main the supporting there is a need for more There is a seemingly idea stands out and is information is supporting information. random collection of supported by detailed general. information. information.

Sequencing Details are placed in a Details are placed in Some details are not in a Many details are not in (Organization) logical order and the a logical order, but logical or expected order, a logical or expected way they are presented the way in which and this distracts the reader. order. There is little effectively keeps the they are sense that the writing is interest of the reader. presented/introduce organized. d sometimes makes the writing less interesting. Conclusion The conclusion is strong The conclusion is The conclusion is There is no clear (Organization) and leaves the reader recognizable and recognizable, but does not conclusion, the paper with a feeling that they ties up almost all the tie up several loose ends. just ends. understand what the loose ends. writer is getting at.

Supporting Details Relevant, telling, quality Supporting details Supporting details and Supporting details and details give the reader and information are information are relevant, but information are important information relevant, but one several key issues or typically unclear or not that goes beyond the key issue or portion portions of the storyline are related to the topic. obvious or predictable. of the storyline is unsupported. unsupported. Embedded Quotations All sources used for All sources used for Most sources used for Many sources used for quotes and facts are quotes and facts are quotes and facts are credible quotes and facts are credible and cited credible and most and cited correctly. One less than credible correctly. All embedded are cited correctly. embedded quote is written (suspect) and/or are not quotes (3) are written Most embedded correctly and properly cited correctly. Not correctly and properly quotes are written embedded. embedded correctly. embedded (sandwich correctly and technique). properly embedded. Accuracy of Facts All supportive facts are Almost all Most supportive facts are NO facts are reported (Content) reported accurately. supportive facts are reported accurately. OR most are reported accurately. inaccurately reported.

Written Writer uses vivid words Writer uses vivid Writer uses words that Writer uses a limited Expression/Word and phrases that linger words and phrases communicate clearly, but the vocabulary that does Choice or draw pictures in the that linger or draw writing lacks variety, punch not communicate reader's mind, and the pictures in the or flair. strongly or capture the choice and placement of reader's mind, but reader's interest. Jargon the words seems occasionally the or cliches may be accurate, natural and not words are used present and detract forced. inaccurately or seem from the meaning. overdone.

Transitions A variety of thoughtful Transitions clearly Some transitions work well; The transitions (Organization) transitions are used. show how ideas are but connections between between ideas are They clearly show how connected, but there other ideas are fuzzy. unclear or nonexistant. ideas are connected. is little variety.

Grammar, Spelling, Writer makes 1-3 errors Writer makes 4-7 Writer makes 5-10 errors in Writer makes more Punctuation, in this area that distract errors in this area this area that distracts the than 10 errors in this Capitalization the reader from the that distracts the reader from the content. area that distracts the content. Subordinating reader from the reader from the and Coordinating content. content. conjunctions present. Critical Thinking Writer uses insight and Writer uses some Writer uses very little No evidence of critical has thoroughly thought insight and has insight. Essay is very thinking. through the assignment. somewhat thought topical. Evidence of critical through the thinking is definitely assignment. present.

Final Grade ______/ 100