Character Analysis:

10 Points on
How to Write a
Character
Analysis
 (1) The Introduction
(Opening Statements)

Your introduction should include:

 the story name,

writer’s name,
character’s name
two, three line – summary
theme statement
 (2) The Body
(Supporting Statements)

 Describe the physical

appearance of the character.
 Explain what this reveals about
the character.
 Quote directly from the book or
paraphrase.
 (3) Background

 Briefly discuss the character's

background.
 Discuss only the aspect that is
relevant to your analysis.
 Be careful not to turn your analysis
into a summary.
 (4) Personality  

• Mention character’s
personalities (use adjectives)

• Remember to use P I E for each

step.

• Point + Illustrate + Explain

 (5) Relationship

•Analyze the character's

relationship with other
characters. 
 (6) Types of
Characterization

•Direct Characterization: This is a

method of indicating what a character is like
by directly stating his personality traits.
“Sami is a cruel person,’ she said.”

•Indirect Characterization: This is when

the personality of a character is revealed through
the character's actions.
“Sami walked into the room, picked his sandwich and took a bite. His
face changed - he spat the lump out and smeared the remaining food
on the maid’s face.”
 (7) Textual Evidence

•Support your writing with textual

evidence to increase your credibility.
•You can either quote or paraphrase
the evidence.
•Using both paraphrasing &
quotation is more credible.
 (8) Over-Quote

•Do not use quotations excessively.

•Your words should still make up

approximately 90% of the analysis.
 (9) Conclusion
(Concluding Statements)

•Close your analysis with strong

statements.

•You might rephrase the theme.

•You might express one last personal
opinion of the character.

•You might liken the character to a

 (10) Transitions
(Adverbial Conjunctions)

•Find suitable places to use

appropriate transition words /
phrases throughout your analysis.
•Common Transitions: consequently,
therefore, as a result, furthermore, to start
with, in addition, moreover, besides, similarly,
likewise, finally, to conclude, etc