Character Analysis Prompt

Description
In studying fiction written during the era of American realism, we have learned that characters
are often more important than plot and action. Because realism and its associated movements
hinge on verisimilitude, or the faithful representation of reality, the creation of believable and
complex characters is fundamental to the movement.
In this writing assignment, you will choose one well-developed character from a list of texts in
Unit 5 over which to write a character analysis.
These character analyses should be written as basic 3.5 essays, in MLA format, and discuss the
character in the following three ways: the role this character plays in the conflict of the story,
three adjectives which describe how the character speaks, looks, and behaves, and how this
character fits into either regionalism, or realism, or naturalism.
The Role
How is your character involved in the plot? More importantly, what actions does this character
take that advance the plot? (If the character appears in a naturalist piece, you may find that the
setting forces the character along the plot). As you discuss their role you should encapsulate the
plot for the reader- put the plot inside the bubble that is your essay by summarizing and
analyzing important moments relevant to your thesis.
Three Adjectives
One adjective should address the characters language, one should address the characters
appearance, and one should address the characters behavior. These three adjectives should be
discussed in regards to how they make this character real. E.g. how does the language reflect the
setting or social class? How does this characters appearance reflect the conflict, setting, social
class, or theme?
Realism, Regionalism, or Naturalism
Your character will invariably reflect aspects of the movement that their story was written in or
for. For example, Bierces Farquhar was a character in a realist piece while Londons would-be
miner existed in a naturalist piece. This portion of the essay is where you will identify how this
character fits one of these movements by discussing tenets from the movement.
Process
1. Students will select a primary character from a list of those encountered in texts from Unit 5.
2. Once the character has been selected, students will be given support on developing thesis
statements for their essay by completing a thesis handout and submitting a rough draft of
their thesis to EnglishEngaged.
3. After the thesis workshop, students will complete an essay outline which helps them select
information for their essays.
4. Students will then organize their five paragraph essays and submit these by uploading them
to EnglishEngaged, Google Docs, or submitting hard copies in class.

Character Analysis Essay Analytical Rubric

0-4
5-8
Introductory and conclusion

Introductory and conclusion

of the following:

paragraphs do MOST of the

paragraphs do ALL of the

following:

following:

Provides strong and coherent

thesis which accurately

n&

Conclusion

thesis which accurately

realism, regionalism, or

describes character in terms of

describes character in terms of

naturalism.

realism, regionalism, or

realism, regionalism, or

naturalism.

naturalism.

Provides succinct and relevant

Closes essay smoothly- essay

does not end abruptly.

Provides succinct and relevant

Ties together main points of

does not end abruptly.

character described.

Ties together main points of

movement.

Closes essay smoothly- essay

does not end abruptly.
Ties together main points of
body paragraphs to readdress

Essay displays thorough

understanding of text and

Essay displays rigorous

understanding of the literary

writing.

thesis.

Provides succinct and relevant

context/background for

Closes essay smoothly- essay

body paragraphs to readdress

Essay displays thorough

understanding of text and

context/background for writing.

thesis.

Provides strong and coherent

thesis which accurately

body paragraphs to readdress

Provides strong and coherent

describes character in terms of

context/background for writing.

Introductio

9-12

Introductory paragraph does SOME

thesis.

character described.

understanding of text and

Essay displays rigorous

understanding of the literary

Essay displays thorough

movement.

character described.
Essay displays rigorous
understanding of the literary
movement.

0-4

5-8
Body paragraphs follow MOST of the

Body paragraphs follow ALL of

the PEEL process:

PEEL process:

PEEL process:

Body
Paragraphs

Point of paragraph or topic

sentence.
Evidence ample and convincing

Point of paragraph or topic

sentence.
Evidence ample and convincing

Grammar,

Point of paragraph or topic

sentence.
Evidence ample and

(one piece from short

(one piece from short

convincing (one piece from

story/poem, one from premises

story/poem, one from premises

short story/poem, one from

of realism, regionalism, or

of realism, regionalism, or

premises of realism,

naturalism)

naturalism)

regionalism, or naturalism)

Explanation of evidence: how

Explanation of evidence: how

Explanation of evidence: how

does evidence relate to the

does evidence relate to the point

does evidence relate to the

point of paragraph?

of paragraph?

point of paragraph?

Link to thesis statement. How

Link to thesis statement. How

Link to thesis statement. How

does the evidence support the

does the evidence support the

does the evidence support the

thesis?

thesis?

thesis?

0-2
Content,

9-12

Body paragraphs follow SOME of

3-4

5-6

Student displays little understanding

Student displays a moderate

Student displays a thorough

of the literary movement, character,

understanding of the literary

understanding of the literary

and selected literature.

movement, character, and selected

movement, character, and selected

Essay is executed with errors in

literature.

literature.

Comments:____________________________________________________________________
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