A character analysis essay is a common type of school assignment in English and literature where you break down a character from a novel or film. Most students find writing this type of assignment challenging, but we are here to help you grasp every aspect and do it like a pro.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what character analysis is and the best approach to take. Furthermore, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide of writing the essay.
What is a Character Analysis Essay?
Before getting down to write the assignment, it is crucial to answer the question, “What is character analysis essay?”
This is a type of academic essay that takes a deeper look into the traits and characteristics of a character in a movie, book, or a story. Your primary goal is informing the reader who is the character and his/her role in the plot development.
While it is true you might have a personal opinion after reading a story, it is crucial to be as objective towards the character that you are analysing. A character description essay also entails evaluating how the character relates with others and his/her way of speaking.
Understand the Different Types of Characters
There are a number of characters when you read a story, and it is possible to find them based on their roles, traits, and behaviour. Here are some of these characters:
- Major: These are the primary characters and feature prominently in the entire story. In most stories, plays or videos, there is only one or two major characters.
- Protagonists: Consider this as the hero in a play. He/she is the character around whom the story revolves. A good example of protagonist character is Harry Potter from Harry by J.K Rowling.
- Antagonists: Antagonists are the persons opposed to the protagonist. In most cases, the antagonist in a video is the villain, but can also be a majestic being, a natural power, or set of circumstances.
- Minor: A minor character is used by the writer to develop the primary character’s traits. In most stories, the minor characters are static.
In addition to being categorized as a protagonist, antagonist, or minor, a character can also be static, foil, or dynamic.
How to Do a Character Analysis: The Main Steps to Follow
Once you have a clear character analysis definition and also understand the different characters, it is time to start writing the essay.
Step One: Select a Dynamic Character
In most cases, your teacher will assign you the character to analyse, but there are instances when the option is left open. If you have the opportunity to select the character, it is advisable to pick the most dynamic one. Make sure the character you select has enough substance to work with.
Step Two: Take Notes as You Read
If you pick the preferred character before reading the story, it is possible to take as you read it. But if you select the character after going through the story, make sure to re-read the story and take notes.
Capture the traits of the authors as well as how he/she interacts with others. For example, if you are doing a character analysis of Romeo in the play Romeo and Juliet, some traits that you might jot down include; he is handsome, smart, passionate, idealistic, and immature.
Step Three: Follow the Elements of the Plot
When demonstrating how to write a character analysis, we emphasize on establishing how he/she fits in the plot. Here, you need to answer the question, “How does the character fit in the introduction, rising action, climax and the resolution.
Step Four: Draw Your Thesis Statement
When writing a character analysis paper, it is advisable to draw your thesis early enough. This is the primary idea that demonstrates your stand when writing a character analysis. You might want to check another character analysis example or several to see how others did their thesis statements.
Step Five: Draw the Character Analysis Outline
What is the best character analysis essay outline? A character analysis essay format closely follows that of a standard essay, meaning that it has an introduction, body and conclusion. Here are more details on how to write each of the sections:
- Introduction
This should be brief and to the point. Start the introduction with a hook statement to make your reader want to continue reading. In the introduction, you also have to bring out the thesis of your character analysis essay.
- Body
In the body of your essay, you discuss the different thoughts or territories that will be considered in relation to the character. Furthermore, you should factor your teacher’s prompt and clearly bring out the traits of the selected character. This is the time to expound on the character notes that you made when reading the story. The body of the essay should respond to the following questions:
- What are the character’s physical appearance, foundation, and identity?
- What can the reader gain from the character?
- What contentions did the character experience? How did he/she overcome them?
- Conclusion
The conclusion is the last part of your essay, and should be used to hold together the main ideas and define the final statement. Consider mentioning things about the character’s conflict that the reader is likely to experience in real life. To make your work stand out, you might want to add how a character should have reacted to specific situations.
Seek Expert Writing Help
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