Q&A for How to Write a Character Analysis

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  • Question
    How do I write a character analysis if the character grows over time?
    Community Answer
    Show HOW the character grows. Describe how he was before, what happened to make him change, and what he's like now.
  • Question
    Can I use first person?
    Jonathan Jaramillo
    Community Answer
    No. Since you are talking about someone who is not you, first person is not the right way to go.
  • Question
    How do I write a character analysis in middle school?
    Community Answer
    To write a character analysis, you need to write an essay outlining the following: the character's name, personal information, hobbies/interests, personality, role in the book, relationships with other characters, major conflicts, and overall change throughout the course of the story.
  • Question
    Should I assume that the person reading my essay has already read the book/text? Or should I also explain a bit of the plot/conflict as if they haven't read the book/text?
    Community Answer
    For a character analysis, you can generally assume that your reader has read the text. You can do a bit of plot exposition in your supporting statements and the context of the character's actions, but you do not have to set up the plot.
  • Question
    Can I write an analysis describing the relationship between two dynamic characters and how it evolves over the course of the story?
    Community Answer
    Yes! This type of analysis would be a character relationship analysis. While a character analysis would include all relationships with other characters, a character relationship analysis would focus on just one.
  • Question
    How many lines do I need to describe my character in a character analysis?
    Community Answer
    You should have at least 5 paragraphs, but the sky is the limit. I would not recommend using fewer than 3 paragraphs.
  • Question
    How do I write a conclusion on how a character changes in a book?
    Community Answer
    You could say how a character changes is similar to how a human changes. Or begin your conclusion with starters like "That's how you know" or "Now you know".
  • Question
    How do I write a character analysis of a story that I have written?
    Community Answer
    The structure of the analysis should remain the same, even if you are the writer of the story. Just don't use information that only you as the writer would know, such as your thoughts while writing the story.
  • Question
    Does are character analysis has to be about rewriting the story or how the character stood out to me?
    Community Answer
    A character analysis is concerned with who the character is and why he/she makes the choices he/she makes. It is not a book summary. Focus on the motivations of the character and go in depth.
  • Question
    How do I do one about a real person?
    Community Answer
    You would do it basically the same way. Talk about their character traits (nice, honest, funny, talented, etc.), their achievements, what they value most, etc. If they have changed a lot, or overcome something really difficult, you could also talk about that.
  • Question
    How do I write a character analysis if the character in the book is the author?
    Community Answer
    Just follow the same guidelines, and perhaps you can research more about the author if you'd like.
  • Question
    Is there a particular format that I should use?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to follow a particular format, just be sure to have the right content.
  • Question
    Should I make headings for my analysis?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes headings can make the paper/essay appear more organized and help it to flow better. You can ask your teacher if headings are allowed.
  • Question
    How do I compare two characters using their character analysis?
    Community Answer
    Make a list of all the traits you can think of for the two characters and compare them. See what they have in common and how they are different.
  • Question
    How can I incorporate character analysis in a poem?
    Community Answer
    Use indirect characterization if you're writing a poem about this character. if you're using a poem and trying to make a character analysis of whomever the poem's about or someone in the poem, do the same as you would for a novel.
  • Question
    What can I do besides appearance and relationships to analyze a character?
    Community Answer
    Talk about their personality or an experience they overcame in the story. Explain what this might suggest about the character
  • Question
    When writing about a character's low self-esteem which is directly caused by another character, would that be considered personality traits or relationships?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It sounds like it could be considered both.
  • Question
    How do I switch from character to character in a two person middle school analysis? This would be helpful for my 12 year old.
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    A two-person analysis would probably involve a "compare and contrast" approach. You would pick various character traits (one at a time) and compare and contrast how each trait manifests in the characters (and perhaps how they affect their lives).
  • Question
    How do I write a character analysis about a person who's physical appearance isn't described by the author?
    Geesearegood
    Community Answer
    The character analysis isn't just describing their apperance, so the lack of physical description should not be too much of an issue. Just write about personality traits, motivations, etc.
  • Question
    How should I start my first paragraph?
    Community Answer
    Begin with an introduction where you make your thesis statement. Start by describing where the character comes from, and go into specifics later on.
  • Question
    Do I write an analysis in 3rd person if the book is also told in 3rd person of the main character?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Third person is very commonly used in analysis. The only alternative is first person (if you want to focus on your own thoughts about and reactions to the book).
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