If you've ever read a book, movie, or play, then you've probably encountered the concept of writing a character analysis essay. This type of essay is a type of literary analysis that explores a character's growth throughout the story. You must describe at least two or three categories for each character, including the character's personality, their function in the story, and their value to the story. Listed below are some helpful tips to help you write a character analysis essay.
o Select a character: Usually, a teacher will assign you a particular character to analyze. If you have the freedom to choose a character, select one that is dynamic. It doesn't necessarily have to be the protagonist of the story; rather, it must have enough substance to be analyzed in depth. Choosing a character based on their appearance or personality will limit your analysis. Moreover, it is not possible to write a character analysis essay that focuses solely on a plot, which would make the essay seem lacking in substance.
To begin your paper, determine which character to analyze. There are different types of characters in every story, so it is important to choose the one that suits your topic. Consider the main character in the story (the protagonist), the antagonist (the antagonist), and the foil character. You may even choose to analyze a foil character, which is set in contrast with the protagonist and emphasizes the protagonist's traits and flaws. If you can't decide on a type of character to analyze, select a foil character.
o Keep notes and underlining important passages. Not only does this add depth to the character, it also helps you understand their motivations. Remember to make notes of all important details. The notes will help you plan your main thought. You may need to revisit them again in order to make your notes. The notes can also help you identify important themes or traits that the character has. If you have a few notes on each character, then they will be useful for your character analysis essay.