Character Analysis

Character analysis is a way to use clues from the

story to learn more about the characters.

It is important because it helps us understand the

story and the people in it.

It helps make the people in the story real and more

interesting.

Prepared by Alexa Dimakos for LA Mission College Writing Lab

How we learn about the
characters
Direct way: The author tells you exactly
what he/she wants you to know about
the character.

Indirect way: The author lets the

characters reveal their personalities
through what they think, say or do.
Physical Traits of the Characters

What does the character look like?

How does he or she dress or move?

Ex: Height, weight, hair color, eye color,

clothing
Character History
What is the character’s history or
background?

In the Amy Tan’s story, where is the

mother from?

What happened to her?

What does this say about her character?

Character Behavior
How does the character behave or act?

What is the mother’s attitude towards America?

How does the mother in “Two Kinds” behave

towards her daughter?

What are some of the things she makes her

daughter do?

What are some words or phrases we can use

to describe the character?
Character Relationships

What relationship does this character

have with the other characters in the
text?

How does the daughter feel about the

mother?

Does their relationship change?

Creating a thesis

Using the information we have

discussed about the mother, how
would you describe her in one
sentence?

Think about main points. What is

most important about the mother?