Tips to Write a Good Character Analysis Essay

Why write a character analysis essay?

Task:

The key to a good Character Analysis Essay is to let rich examples from the literary text support your analysis. Yes, you want to present your argument on what this person is all about, after all it's your essay. However, support your argument with examples of their innermost thoughts. Give examples of their dialogue with other characters. Give examples of direct action they've taken against people, places, animals, things. Maybe they threw a plate up against a wall in frustration. Maybe they kicked the dog. All of these give the reader of your essay a glimpse at what this person is really like. Don't dwell on the negative, though. Highlight the good and bad in a character. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. That's why we're the unique individuals we are.

You want to present an objective view that presents all aspects of the character you're studying. There's good in everyone and you must show positive attributes as well. Get specific when writing your Character Analysis Essay. Don't generalize, as you will present a character "type" not this "individual character." You want your essay reader to know this character like he or she is a friend. For example, don't say, "The character has a penchant for the good things in life." Instead, say, "The character always travels to Paris in June and books the best room at the Ritz." That's specific and paints a vivid picture of this character’s taste. When answering the questions below, be as specific as possible and try to provide examples to support your answers. Keep in mind, this is to prepare you for the Character Analysis.

The more complete and specific you are, the easier it will be for you to write your essay. The examples are important because you can use them for reference and for evidence when you write your Character Analysis Essay. The more you understand your character and what makes them ‘tick’, the better your essay will be! Answer the following 20 questions in as much detail as possible. Submit them by 11:59 pm on Sunday, 12/06. 1.) Who is your chosen character? 2.) Why did you pick this character? Be specific. 3.) What do you like/dislike about this character? 4.) Do you identify with this character on any level? 5.) What does your character look like? Be specific. 6.) How does he/she speak? 7.) What his/her goals and objectives? 8.) How does he/she achieve those goals? 9.) How does he/she cope with problems? 10.) What is his/her emotional state? 11.) What is his/her psychological state? 12.) What is the attitude of other characters to him/her? 13.) What are the dominant personality traits of this character? 14.) How does the character’s personality influence his or her actions? 15.) Why does the character feel the way he or she does? Did an earlier tragedy bring them to the point in life where they are today? 16.) What personality trait (s) will help this character overcome his/her obstacles and succeed in life? 17.) What vices does this character embrace as he/she tries to cope with life? What other resources do they use, spiritual or otherwise, to handle what life deals him or her? 18.) What is this character’s greatest flaw? 19.) What is this character’s greatest gift? 20.) Would you have this person as a friend? Why or why not?