A character analysis isan examination of the personalities and actions of protagonists and antagonists that make up a story.It discusses their role in the story, evaluates their traits, and looks at their conflicts and experiences. You might need to write this assignment in school or college. Like any other essay, your character analysis should contain an introduction, a conclusion, and a thesis.
ćłçĽéĺŚä˝ĺä¸ä¸ŞäşşçŠĺćessay? Not sure how to start? We understand. Whichever piece you choose â Lady Macbeth, A Rose for Emily, or something else, â analyzing a character for the first time might be challenging. No worries, we are here to help! In this guide by ourcustom writingexperts, you will find a step-by-step guide, outlining and writing tips, as well as a number of character analysis examples.
What Is a Character Analysis Essay?
A character analysis essay is an assignment where you evaluate a characterâs traits, behaviors, and motivations. It requires critical thinking and attention to detail. Unlike descriptions, analyses focus on a characterâs personality and internal drives. It explains how those factors shape the narrated events.
So, what you need to do is to see the characters as if they were real people who feel and act just as we do. Ensure there are no baseless assumptions and interpretations: the ideas you present should be supported by quotes from the text.
Character: Definition (Literature)
How do you define a character?It is a person, a creature, or an animal that makes up the storyâs world.A character can be based on a real-life person, or it can be entirely fictional. It is someone who thinks, feels, and acts.
We use the word âcharacterâ in many different contexts. For instance, it can denote someone eccentric or worthy of our admiration. In both contexts, the term âcharacterâ means a distinctive personality. Similarly, in an analysis, your task is to show what makes a character stand out.
Characterization: Literary Definition & Examples
Characterization isthe process by which a characterâs personality is revealed.It presents charactersâ traits, feelings, and motives to the reader. For this reason, characterization is closely connected to character analysis. It helps us to understand the characters better throughout the reading process.
Characterization can bedirect and indirect.
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Directcharacterization is when the narrator directly tells the audience what the personality of a character is.
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In contrast,indirectcharacterization shows things that hint at a characterâs nature.
Here are some examples of direct characterization taken from Patti SmithâsJust Kids:
Example:
âBut he always suppressed his real feelings, mimicking the stoic nature of his father.â
Here we see a direct description of a character. The author straightforwardly talks about Robertâs feelings. In comparison, look at the description of a woman taken from John SteinbeckâsThe Snake:
Example:
âHe looked around at her again. Her dark eyes seemed veiled with dust. She looked without expression at the catâs open throat.â
These lines donât directly reveal anything about the woman, but the reader can understand that she is cold and dangerous. Itâs an indirect characterization that focuses on looks and actions to convey the message to the reader.
Types of Characters for Your Essay
When it comes to characters, they can be divided into several groups. For example, characters can be:
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Protagonists or antagonists,
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Static or dynamic,
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Flat or round.
These types define how much the characters change through the course of the story and their role in it.
Character Type: Definition
In psychology, a character type is defined by a combination of personality traits that coexist in an individual. Authors incorporate different types of characters into their works to convey the message and make the story more exciting or relatable to the reader.
There are three ways to categorize a character type:
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by archetypes,
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by their role in the narrative,
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by their ability to change throughout the story.
If you are about to write a character analysis essay, being familiar with character archetypes is essential. They have been categorized by a generation of writers, including the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung and the American literary theorist Joseph Campbell. A lot of characters we see in todayâs literary works are rooted in them.
Archetypes include the Trickster, the Ruler, the Lover, the Sage, and others.The Herois one of the most notable archetypes. Hercules or Achilles can be good examples of heroic protagonists. They are strong and courageous; they meet challenges and save the day by helping others.
Main Character: Definition & Examples
The main character and the protagonist often get mixed up. Most narratives also have the figure of theantagonist, whose actions affect the plot and stimulate change. Letâs have a look at the similarities and differences between these types.
Themain characteris central in the narrative. We experience the story through their eyes. They donât necessarily have to be protagonists, though it happens in many cases.
The crucial difference between the main character and the protagonist is that theprotagonistgoes through changes throughout the story. The main character, however, is there to guide the reader through the experience. Often they help to show a different, darker side of the protagonist.
To understand the difference better, letâs turn to some examples.
Whatâs a Static Character?
Now that weâve learned about the main character and the protagonist, we will closely look at other types of character classifications. One of the ways to categorize a character is by their ability to change throughout the story.
A static or simple character is someone who undergoes little or no significant changes. They often exist for comedic purposes. Here are some examples:
Complex Character: Definition & Examples
Complex or dynamic characters are the opposite of static characters. Characters of this type change as the book progresses. They display different qualities, emotions, and motives. They become more complicated and interesting to the reader as the story unfolds.
Check out these examples of dynamic characters:
Other Kinds of Characters
You already know about several ways to define a type of character. Now, letâs go over some other types, starting with flat and round characters.
Similar to dynamic and static ones, round and flat characters represent two different ends of a spectrum.Round charactersusually come with an in-depth background. They are traditionally protagonists, antagonists, or those close to them. In contrast,flat charactersare two-dimensional, and there is not much depth to them.
For the examples, we will turn to the novelPride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen.
Finally, here are some bonus character types for you:
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Stock charactershave a fixed set of traits and are flat. Most of the time, they exist for comical relief.
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Symbolic charactersrepresent a concept or a theme that goes beyond them. They can be round and flat as long as they symbolize a particular notion or phenomena.
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Sidekickis a secondary character who supports the protagonist.
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The love interestis someone with whom the main character is infatuated.
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Foilis someone whoâs set in contrast with the protagonist, thus putting more emphasis on the latterâs qualities.
Characterization Essay: Which Character Type to Choose
Before you start writing a paper, it essential to decide on the character youâre going to analyze. There are different types of characters in every story, so you need to choose which one suits your essay topic the best.
Usually, itâs best to choose adynamic and round character. With static and flat ones, there may not be enough substance for you to analyze. However, some such personalities can be interesting to work with. For instance, a flat character such as Mr. Collins can be symbolic of something. Then, you can talk about how it embodies a specific idea or notion. You can also look at how they affect other characters in the story.
How to Write a Character Analysis Step by Step
Now, weâre going to discuss how to write your paper step-by-step. But first, here are some pre-writing steps for you to consider:
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Choose a character for analysis.
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Read the text while keeping the character in mind:
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Take notes while reading;
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Define the type of the character and their role in the story;
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Pay attention to their descriptions and actions.
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How to Analyze a Character: Description Examples
Knowing how to organize your work is an essential skill. Certain things need special attention if you are describing a character:
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physical appearance,
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emotional state,
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how the character speaks,
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behavior and personality traits,
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relationships with other characters.
When you analyze a character, try to look at them as if they were a real-life person. You want to know their motive, learn about how they feel, and understand why they think in a certain way. Ask yourself:
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How did the character change throughout the story (if at all)?
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What do other characters say about them? Can their words be trusted?
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Where is the character physically and emotionally? What brought them here?
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What is the character ready to do to achieve their goal?
Now, letâs look at the character of Franklin from the short storyJust Before the War with the Eskimosby J.D. Salinger:
Character Profile Template for Writing
When writing your essay, use this character analysis template:
In the following sections, weâll discuss each step in detail.
Character Analysis Outline: How to Start a Character Analysis
The beginning of your essay is its crucial part. It sets the mood and grabs the readerâs attention. There are many different ways to write a character analysis introduction, but here are the most effective ones:
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Use a quotation.čżćŻä¸ä¸ŞĺžĺĽ˝çćšćłčŽŠä¸ä¸Şĺ¸ĺźäşşçĺ°ĺ˘ăĺŚćĺŽrelates to the character and reflects their nature, it can also help to set the tone for analysis. In case you are using a quotation from somewhere else, mention the source in parentheses.
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Talk about the book or story.ćĺ°ä˝č name of the story, and the genre. Briefly describe the main events that are taking place in the story.
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Introduce the character.State their role in the story (define whether they are a protagonist, an antagonist, etc.) Then, explain whether the character is static or dynamic. Finally, describe them in 2-3 sentences.
The final part of an introduction is a thesis statement.Read on to learn how to write one!
Character Analysis Thesis Statement & Examples
A18beplayĺŽç˝ is the key component of every essay, and character analysis is not an exception. Itâs crucial to develop a good and clear thesis statement that includes all the aspects of your paper. For instance, if you plan to write a 4-paragraph body, including 4 points in your thesis.
What should a character analysis thesis include? Well, try to think of any trait that the character possesses that has to do with their downfall or somehow influences the story. Think about how this trait affects the characterâs relationship with others or how it contributes to their motive or aspiration.
Take a look at the following examples:
How to Write Character Analysis Paragraphs for the Main Body
The main body of your essay can include as many paragraphs as you need. In this part, you introduce the character and analyze them. We have already talked in this article about what kind of questions should be answered in these paragraphs. The most important points are:
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Describe the character and their role within the story.
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Give the audience an explanation of the characterâs motives.
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Show what message the author wanted to convey through this character.
Keep in mind that every paragraph should have a topic sentence that captures its main idea.
Example:
Tsukuru Tazakiâs spiritual rebirth also affects his physical appearance.
Character Analysis Conclusion: How to Write
The conclusion part of your essay summarizes all the information you have mentioned and restates the thesis. Here is some advice for your conclusion paragraph:
ď¸ Character Analysis Essay Format
Most college assignments and essays are written according to the APA or MLA format. Both styles have the same formatting, which requires:
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a double-spaced paper with 1-inch margins,
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a page header with page numbers flush right,
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an 11-12-point font.
While writing an essay on characters, pay special attention to quotations. Here are some tips for APA in-text citations:
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When you summarize or paraphrase the information, mention the authorâs name and publication date in brackets.
Example:According to Collins (1997.) -
When you quote directly from the source, add the number of the page, as well.
Example:âThere is a view thatâŚâ (Collins, 1997, pp. 134-135.) -
If the source includes three or more authors, use the abbreviation âet al.â after the first authorâs name.
Example:(Collins et al., 1997)
As for MLA format:
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You can write the authorâs name in the sentence.
Example:As Collins mentions in his essay<âŚ>. -
You can mention the authorâs name in the parentheses at the end of the sentence.
Example:(Collins, J.K.) -
The last option is to use either footnotes or endnotes.
Character Analysis Essay Examples
Below youâll find a collection of character analysis essay examples and a downloadable sample to inspire you even more.
Character Analysis Example (Downloadable)
Example:
Roald DahlâsMatildais one of the most famous childrenâs novels of the 20th century. The protagonist of this tale is Matilda Wormwood, a five and a half-year-old girl with a brilliant and lively mind that distances her from the rest of the family. Matildaâs character is particularly interesting as she has a powerful personality with extraordinary mental abilities, and she manages to overcome all the obstacles that surround her.
Character Analysis Essay Topics
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Jay GatsbyinThe Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald.
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Beowulf and Hamlet: similarity and diversity of the characters.
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Personal and social failures ofWilly LomaninDeath of a Salesmanby Arthur Miller.
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Character analysis ofOthello.
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Analyze the characters ofStanley and BlanchefromA Streetcar Named Desire.
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The tragedy of Mathilde Loisel fromThe Necklaceby Guy de Maupassant.
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Character analysis of Huck Finn fromMark Twainâs The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
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Moral force of Kate Lipton fromDouble Helixby Nancy Parker.
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Character analysis ofThorvald and Norain Henrik IbsenâsA Dollâs House.
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Discuss the character ofking CreoninAntigone.
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Analyze the personality ofLydiafrom Jane AustenâsPride and Prejudice.
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CompareNick Carraway and Tom BuchananfromThe Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald.
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Describe the peculiarities ofLord Pococurante inCandide.
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Sarty Snopesin William FaulknerâsBarn Burning: character analysis.
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Analyze the character ofBiff Lomanin Death of a Salesman.
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Personality ofNorainA Doll Houseby Henrik Ibsen.
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Examine the maincharacters ofThe Yellow Paperby Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
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Personality change of the main character inEdgar Alan PoeâsThe Black Cat.
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Analyze the characters of E. HemingwayâsA Clean, Well-Lighted Place.
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Describe the main characters of the novelThe Overstoryby Richard Powers.
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Controversial personality of Vladek inMaus: A Survivorâs Taleby Art Spiegelman.
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Character analysis of Victor Frankenstein inFrankensteinby Mary Shelley.
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Discuss the character ofCreon inOedipus the King.
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The manipulative character ofäźéżĺ¤in Willian ShakespeareâsOthello.
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Analyze the characters of Nil and Kristine inA Dollâs House.
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Eccentricity ofGrendelâs characterinBeowulf.
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Describe the main characters ofFour Summersby Joyce Carol Oates.
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Examine the characters of Harold Krebs and his mother in Ernest HemingwayâsSoldierâs Home.
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Analyze common and different traits of thecharacters inThe Monkeyâs Paw.
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Character peculiarities ofRostam and SohrabinShahnamehby Ferdowsi Tousi.
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How does the character of Elizabeth Bennet inPride and Prejudiceby Jane Austendiffer from the rest of her family?
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The behavior and meaning of the characters inNicholas RoweâsThe Tragedy of Jane Shore.
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Compare the characters of VictorFrankenstein and the monsterinFrankenstein or the Modern Prometheusby Mary Shelley.
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Discuss the differences of maincharacters inEveryday Useby Alice Walker.
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Examine the character of Connie inWhere Are You Going, Where Have You Beenby Joyce Carol Oates.
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The influence of social pressure on thecharacters of ChopinâsDesirĂŠeâs Babyand SedarisâA Modest Proposal.
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Dynamicfeminist characters of Delia and JiginSweatby Z. Hurston andHills Like White Elephantsby E. Hemingway.
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Analyze the personality traits of Emily inWilliam FaulknerâsA Rose for Emily.
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Examine thecharacters ofThe Quiet Americanby Graham Greene.
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Henry ÎVby William Shakespeare: analysis of main characters.
Now you know everything necessary for writing an excellent character analysis. What character would you like to analyze? Let us know in the comments!
Further reading:
â Character Analysis FAQ
A character analysis involves:
1. description of a character;
2. explanation of how they change throughout the story;
3. their role in the narrative;
4. relationships with other characters;
5. what idea the author wanted to convey through the character.
A character analysis creates a description that contains their most important qualities. It provides a new perspective of a character that reveals more about what itâs like to be human. It can also point to a moral or a lesson.
Literary analysis uses the technique of tracing the character development. This technique is usually used to understand the theme of the work better. Through tracing a characterâs development, we can learn more about the storyâs message and how itâs conveyed.
A summary paragraph in a character study should include answers to the questions âwhat,â âwho,â âwhere,â and âwhy.â You should mention who narrates the story, where the story is set, its theme, and the message it conveys.