Character Analysis Template

This is an example of a completed Character Analysis Template.  It is from a book called 2525 Springview Road (a manuscript of a book not yet published).

This will help you with understand how to fill out a Character Analysis Template.

What are two strong character traits of Minke?

Character Trait 1) Minke is kind hearted.

Character Trait 2) Minke is imaginative.

Find three proofs in the book to support each character trait. Be sure to include the chapter and page number. Under each proof, write an OPINION STATEMENT. That simply means to write your opinion about the proof.

1st proof from the book for Character Trait 1 (kind hearted)

Chapter: 2

page(s): 67

"Minke's heart swelled with love as she held the baby bunny. She would never let the puppy anywhere near this tiny, helpless, fluffy creature. Her Papa always told Minke that her kindness was like a ray of sunshine. She just knew her Papa would build the perfect bunny hutch for her new little pet."

OPINION STATEMENT:

Minke's protectiveness toward the little rabbit was an example of her tender and kind heart. Her Papa even tells her that she is compassionate and uses a wonderful simile to reiterate the point.

2nd  proof from the book for Character Trait 1  (kind hearted)

Chapter: 5

page(s): 150

"Bite her back!" Aunt Marigold told Minke. "She bit you, and she will never learn unless you bite her back!"

"But, Aunt Marigold, I can't bite her," whispered Minke. Her lips trembled and she felt her heart would break. "I can't b-b-b-bite her because I love her." Tears rolled down Minke's cheeks, and all she wanted to do was hug her friend and forgive her.

OPINION STATEMENT:

Although Minke was hurt by her friend, she would not retaliate. Her aunt gives her permission to literally "bite back," but she will not. Minke's kindness is not swayed in the least even though she is hurt. Her kindness flows out as pure love and forgiveness.

3rd proof from the book for Character Trait 1  (kind hearted)

Chapter: 8

page(s): 243

Sharon hugged her best friend, Minke. Minke giggled in anticipation because she could not wait to surprise Sharon. Minke reached into her dress pocket and pulled out the box with the necklace in it.

"Here, Sharon, Happy Birthday!" she said.

Sharon opened the box and blushed with delight. "But, Minke! This is your favorite necklace!"

"It was," said Minke, "but now it is your favorite necklace. It will look beautiful with your blue eyes. I want you to have it."

OPINION STATEMENT:

Minke's kindness was selfless. She felt more pleasure in making her friend happy than she did in material possessions. Minke's generosity was a product of her genuine kindness.

1st  proof from the book for Character Trait 2 (imaginative)

Chapter: 1

page(s): 46

The tree swayed in the breeze and dappled sunlight danced in the grass. Minke squinted her eyes and imagined hundreds of glistening fairies playfully shimmering as they chased each other in the clover.

OPINION STATEMENT:

Minke's imagination was so fanciful that she could conjure up images of dancing fairies! Many children would appreciate the beauty of the sun shining through the trees, but it would take an especially creative child to imagine fairies in the grass.

2nd  proof from the book for Character Trait 2 (imaginative)

Chapter: 4

page(s): 138

Sharon and Minke walked arm in arm down the oak lined avenue. Minke told Sharon the story she had made up about the oak trees. The oaks were the mighty protectors of the neighborhood. Each evening they spread their strong branches out and kept everyone safe. Sharon sighed and smiled. Minke's stories always made her feel safe and happy.

OPINION STATEMENT:

Minke spins yarns that comfort Sharon and make her happy. That is something that only an imaginative (and kind) person can do.

3rd  proof from the book for Character Trait 2 (imaginative)

Chapter:

page(s):

"Sharon was so proud of her friend, Minke. The storyteller award was a great honor and Minke deserved it. The teacher had even congratulated Minke with a big hug and told the class that no one had ever won the award two years in a row."

OPINION STATEMENT:

Both Sharon and their teacher acknowledge Minke's creativeness. Because creativeness is a result of an active imagination, these two characters validate Minke's imagination.

CHECK to make sure you included an opinion statement after each proof. Your opinion statements should answer the question, “How does this proof from the book show or prove the character trait?”

Be sure to use quotation marks for the words from the book.

TEMPLATE

Title of Book

What are two strong character traits of ______?

Character Trait 1)

Character Trait 2)

Find three proofs in the book to support each character trait. Be sure to include the chapter and page number. Under each proof, write an OPINION STATEMENT. That simply means to write your opinion about the proof.

1st proof from the book for Character Trait 1

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

2nd  proof from the book for Character Trait 1 

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

3rd proof from the book for Character Trait 1 

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

1st  proof from the book for Character Trait 2

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

2nd  proof from the book for Character Trait 2

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

3rd  proof from the book for Character Trait 2

Chapter:

page(s):

OPINION STATEMENT:

CHECK to make sure you included an opinion statement after each proof. Your opinion statements should answer the question, “How does this proof from the book show or prove the character trait?”

Be sure to use quotation marks for the words from the book.

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Now you can use your template to write a character analysis essay.

Include an Introduction and Conclusion

Intro example (as easy as 1, 2, 3):

1 Hook

2 Synopsis

3 Thesis Statement

Hook sentence (something to make the reader pay attention).

Examples:

The Pearl by John Steinbeck is a classic novella that everyone should read.

OR

A perfect pearl leads to suffering and sorrow in John Steinbeck's famous novella, The Pearl.

OR

John Steinbeck's The Pearl is a parable wrapped in a novella that tells the tale of Kino, his wife, Juana, and their child, Coyotito.

OR

The Pearl, written by the esteemed John Steinbeck, is a parable written in the form of a novella that is classically timeless and compelling.

A SHORT synopsis of the book may be added next (optional for novice students) 

EXAMPLE:
The Pearl by John Steinbeck is a classic novella about a young man named Kino who finds a valuable pearl. He tries to sell the pearl for it holds the key to opportunity and wealth. He even heads to the capital, which involves a great journey, to try and sell it. In the end, however, Kino believes that the pearl is cursed. His journey from his finding of the pearl to the very end of the story reveals layers of his personality and the way his values change. Throughout the novella, Kino displays a deep rooted and growing greed, but also quite a lot of determination. (TY to N. for this example!)

Tell your reader which character you have chosen.

Then tell the reader the two character traits of this character that shape his or her personality and the story.

Thesis statement: Tell the reader what these two character traits are.

The character traits that determine Kino choices and drive the plot are _______ and ________

From N's essay:

Throughout the novella, Kino displays a deep rooted and growing greed, but also quite a lot of determination.

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The conclusion begins with a related thesis statement.

In order to write a related your thesis, remember that the meaning of your thesis should not change, but the words need to. This is sometimes called a "related thesis."  

 

Generic EXAMPLE:

Thesis Statement: Some of the most impactful inventions of the nineteenth century that changed the way we live were the telephone, the bicycle, and plastic.

Related Thesis: It is obvious that these three nineteenth-century inventions dramatically changed our lifestyles. 

EXAMPLE from The Pearl character analysis essay:

Thesis Statement: The character traits that determine Kino choices are protectiveness and growing greed.

Related Thesis:  Kino's greed and protectiveness, two seemingly dissimilar character traits, combine to drive Kino to tragic decisions.

The conclusion should include a "most significant" statement. Your most significant statement must reiterate a paragraph topic. In the case of a character analysis essay, for this statement you must choose one of the character traits.

The clincher must connect to the topic (hook) sentence.

The Pearl (Background Info)

 Author: John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was born in Salinas, California the son of poor parents. Although he was educated at Stanford University and became a celebrated writer, he never forgot his origins. Growing up in working class towns, he became an excellent observer of human nature and later wrote about the people he lived around–– workers including Mexican-American and migrant workers. He discovered the harsh reality that these people were often treated poorly and without respect and had little means of defending themselves. As a result, many of the characters he wrote about were down and out, isolated and oppressed. 

The Pearl was published in 1947.

Themes: In The Pearl, Steinbeck's many themes deal with struggle. These themes of  “struggle” include: the struggle between 

the poor and the wealthy 

the weak and the strong

good and evil 

cultures or civilizations 

Setting: The events of The Pearl take place sometime around the early 1900s on an estuary (mouth of the river) somewhere on the coast of Mexico in the town of La Paz. On a map the long peninsula which descends from California is called BAJA CALIFORNIA. A peninsula is a piece of land that sticks out into the water but is still connected to the land. It's not quite an island because an island is totally surrounded by water. Baja California is part of Mexico. It is separated from the rest of Mexico by the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. 

Historical Background and Social Culture: At the time the story takes place, the Indians of Mexico had already been under the domination of people of Spanish descent for 300 years. The governing class was primarily made up of those of Spanish descent and they kept the Mexican Indians at the bottom of the social hierarchy or social ladder. In most cases, the Indians were not allowed to attend school or own land. Keeping people uneducated and dependent keeps them oppressed. The Indians of Mexico fiercely held onto many of their spiritual beliefs, cultures, and customs of their various tribes.

Style: The Pearl is a short novel or novella which is told in the form of an allegory or PARABLE––a short, simple work with little dialogue illustrating a lesson or a larger truth often on the subject of good and evil. In a PARABLE, good and evil are clearly defined––everything is black and white, there are no shades of gray. The characters and action symbolize certain universal ideas or concepts and the readers attach their own meaning to these symbols.

1 Where did John Steinbeck go to college?

2 What is an estuary?

3 What is the other name for the Gulf of California?

4 What is the long peninsula which descends from California called?

5 At the time that this story takes place, where were the Mexican Indians in the social hierarchy?

6 What is another name for an allegory?

7 Does keeping people dependent assure that they are lifted up or oppressed?

8 Is the town of La Paz on the coast or in the center of the country?

9 In what country does this story take place?

10 Who is the author of The Pearl?

11 What year was the book published?

12 What is a parable?

13 Were Steinbeck's parents poor or wealthy?

14 Is La Paz on the coast or the interior of Mexico?

15 What is a peninsula?

Character Traits

How well do you understand the different character traits people exhibit in their day-to-day lives? 

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Questions and Answers

• 1. 
  Jimmy was very busy last night playing soccer and taking care of his little sister. In fact, he was so busy that he forgot to do his homework. The next day, Jimmy told his teacher that he did his homework, but that his little sister threw it away. What character trait is Jimmy showing?
  • A. 

    Dishonest

  • B. 

    Honest

  • C. 

    Smart

  • D. 

    Nice

 
• 2. 
  Michelle's mother was very sick, so Michelle decided to make warm chicken soup for her mother. She also made sure that her mother went to the doctor's office, and that she stayed in bed. Michelle is showing which character trait?
  • A. 

    Nice

  • B. 

    Caring

  • C. 

    Mean

  • D. 

    Selfish

 
• 3. 
  "Can I borrow your crayons please?" asked Karen. "No!" screamed Kim, "These are my crayons, get your own!" What character trait is Kim showing?
  • A. 

    Cruel

  • B. 

    Trusting

  • C. 

    Selfish

  • D. 

    Happy

 
• 4. 
  A group of kids was playing in the backyard and pretending that they were all pirates on a pirate ship. They created a game that had pirates, robbers, and princesses. The kids were showing what character trait?
  • A. 

    Silly

  • B. 

    Creative

  • C. 

    Loyal

  • D. 

    Kind

 
• 5. 
  Mrs. Rose told her students that one day when they all grew up, they would wish that they were ten years old all again. She told them all of these important life stories and gave them advice. Mrs. Rose was displaying what character trait?
  • A. 

    Happy

  • B. 

    Smart

  • C. 

    Wise

  • D. 

    Energetic

 
• 6. 
  Toby and Scarlett have known each other for so long and they work in the same company. Lately, Toby has been dropping Scarlett at her place from the office before going home even though Scarlett lives close enough to walk. He often thinks about her and smiles to himself. Last weekend Toby asked Scarlett out for a candlelight dinner.

  What character trait is Toby showing here?
  • A. 

    Active

  • B. 

    Caring

  • C. 

    Smart

  • D. 

    Romantic

 
• 7. 
  Sticking with routines that are difficult but worthwhile is known as what?
  • A. 

    Courage

  • B. 

    Integrity

  • C. 

    Respect

  • D. 

    Self-discipline

 
• 8. 
  'May I borrow your phone please?' asked Jessica. 'No!' screamed Yvonne. 'It is my phone, get your own!' Which character trait should be used to describe Yvonne here?
  • A. 

    Dishonest

  • B. 

    Happy

  • C. 

    Cruel

  • D. 

    Selfish

 
• 9. 
  Which of these is NOT a positive character trait?
  • A. 

    Happy

  • B. 

    Cheerful

  • C. 

    Loyal

  • D. 

    Pessimistic

 
• 10. 
  Angela was jumping up and down and watching out the window. She could not wait for her mother to get home as she was bringing her new baby sister home for the first time. She wanted to see her and play with her for the first time. What character trait does Angela show here?
  • A. 

    Excitement

  • B. 

    Compassion

  • C. 

    Humility

  • D. 

    Arrogance