Sula | Character Analysis Prompt
What is a Character Analysis?
A character analysis is more than a character description. It is an examination of a complex character’s motivations and how conflicts arise from more than one motivation, and it is an analysis of how a character’s personality and growth (or lack of growth) help convey the ideas and themes of the work as a whole.
The Task
Your task is to write a character analysis essay about a character from Sula. Once you have chosen a character to analyze, choose three adjectives or descriptive phrases which you can apply to the character – these are traits that the character possesses. Please keep in mind that you will organize the body of your essay around these three traits.
Outlining Your Essay
Introduction
In this first paragraph, you will introduce your character. Be creative. Use an anecdote, a telling quote or incident from the play, or a summary of how the character changes throughout the play to engage your reader. Remember, your first line must be engaging! It is what will entice your reader to continue to read your essay.
Thesis Statement
This sentence is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. This sentence will inform the reader what he or she will read in your essay. The thesis should include the character’s name and the 3 adjectives.
Model Thesis: “Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem Finch evolves from a child to adolescent by becoming more mature socially, more enlightened about the world around him, and braver from personal experiences.”
This is a strong thesis because the reader knows the first body paragraph will show how Jem is becomes more mature based on his social interactions, the second will demonstrate how he becomes enlightened based what is happening in his “world”, and the third demonstrates the bravery he gains from experiences throughout the novel. Also, the descriptors are vivid and apt for the character.
“Weak” Thesis: “In this essay, I will show you how Jem is spoiled, stubborn, and childish.” Remember, never write “in this essay” or “you” in formal compositions.
Body Paragraph I
Your topic sentence includes the first adjective listed in your thesis statement to describe your character. You will support that topic sentence with (2) examples from the novel and (1) quote. Your quote must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the adjective. This paragraph is ideally 6-8 sentences in length, or as many as you see fit to meet the requirements of each paragraph.
Body Paragraph II
Your topic sentence includes the second adjective listed in your thesis statement to describe your character. You will support that topic sentence with (2) examples from the novel and (1) quote. Your quote must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the adjective. This paragraph is ideally 6-8 sentences in length, or as many as you see fit to meet the requirements of each paragraph.
Body Paragraph III
Your topic sentence includes the third adjective listed in your thesis statement to describe your character. You will support that topic sentence with (2) examples from the novel and (1) quote. Your quote must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the adjective. This paragraph is ideally 6-8 sentences in length, or as many as you see fit to meet the requirements of each paragraph.
Remember, all body paragraphs need to have a topic sentence, transitions into your evidence of the characteristic, evidence to support your claim, explanation of your evidence, and a concluding sentence.
Conclusion
Summarize your main points. Restate your thesis statement, but make sure you reword it. Provide some final, creative thoughts about the character. This is the last paragraph your audience reads, so make it good (5-6 sentences).
Quotation Requirements
You must include the page number of the quotation and introduce or lead in the quotation properly. For example, notice how the quotation is introduced, where the quotation marks are placed, and the page number in parenthesis.
When telling about Jem’s attempt to touch the Radley house, Scout tells the reader, “In all his life, Jem never declined a dare” (29).
Essay Guidelines
You need an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Your direct quotations should be no more than three lines long each.
Use an MLA heading and page format.
The paper must be typed; 12 point font; Times New Roman; one inch margins;
double-spaced.
You must have a Creative Title. “Character Analysis”, “Jem”, or something to that
effect is not very creative.
Include a Work Cited page to coincide with your in-text citations.
Writing Tips To Follow
Avoid contractions (can’t, won’t, etc.) unless in a quotation.
Don’t use slang or common words (thing, stuff, etc.), unless in a quotation.
Write only in third person. Don’t use “you” or “I.”
Use specific, vivid, and detailed incidents and examples to support your thesis.
Write in all present tense. Books never “end” – they continue on for a new reader.
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What is a Character Analysis?
A character analy appeared first on blitzarchive.com.