Character AnalysisCharacter Analysis

Know your Characters Know your Characters

ImportanceImportance

It is important to well understand the It is important to well understand the character of any novel becausecharacter of any novel because

Helps predict plotHelps predict plot

Helps predict character’s actionsHelps predict character’s actions

Helps infer reason for feelings of Helps infer reason for feelings of characters characters

What to Look ForWhat to Look For

Character’s appearanceCharacter’s appearance

Character’s actionsCharacter’s actions

Character's wordsCharacter's words

Character’s thoughts Character’s thoughts

Character’s Feelings Character’s Feelings

AppearanceAppearance

To know a character well:To know a character well:

Locate any descriptions or references to Locate any descriptions or references to appearanceappearance

Put a visual in your head Put a visual in your head

ActionsActions

Make a list of all the actions of the character.Make a list of all the actions of the character.

Ask yourself questions as you read, and Ask yourself questions as you read, and make connections about the character’s make connections about the character’s actions.actions.

Thoughts and WordsThoughts and Words

Things that a character says are very Things that a character says are very important in understanding the personality important in understanding the personality and feelings of the character.and feelings of the character.

FeelingsFeelings

Make a mental note of all the feelings that a Make a mental note of all the feelings that a character has throughout the novel.character has throughout the novel.

Remember that feelings can change Remember that feelings can change according to the setting, and feelings can according to the setting, and feelings can be affected by plot or other character’s be affected by plot or other character’s actions.actions.

Sum it UpSum it Up

After you have thoroughly read the novel or After you have thoroughly read the novel or story, and have paid attention to the story, and have paid attention to the character’s character’s

Thoughts Thoughts

WordsWords

ActionsActions

FeelingsFeelings

AppearanceAppearance

FinallyFinally

Then put it all together, and using a list of Then put it all together, and using a list of character’s traits, see how many traits character’s traits, see how many traits could apply to the character.could apply to the character.

Make Connections:Make Connections:

Recall any other characters that you have Recall any other characters that you have read about that may have the same traits. read about that may have the same traits.