Book Report 2:  CHARACTER ANALYSIS  400-500 words

 

    I.  Select a book from the reading list.

 

   II.  Read the book carefully and completely.

 

  III.  Write an essay that follows MLA style (OEH, pp. 86-88) and the format below.

       

        A.  Introduction.  In the opening paragraph, mention the title of the book, its author’s name, the date of original publication, a brief plot summary, and other pertinent information.  Conclude the paragraph with your thesis statement, a one-sentence statement of your opinion of the character and personality of the character your essay will analyze. 

 

        B.  Body.  Write two to four paragraphs that specifically develop, support, and explain your opinion of the character as stated in your thesis statement.  Begin each of these paragraphs with a topic sentence that focuses on a part or a facet of your general interpretation of the character.  Remember that each topic sentence must state an opinion that needs proof and that the opinion must be directly related to the general opinion stated in the thesis statement.  Use details, examples, direct quotations, and explanations to prove each topic sentence. 

 

  IV.      Works Cited Page.

 

   V.      Pledge the following: “I have read the entire book and have written this essay without assistance.  I have used no Cliffs Notes, Monarch Notes, or Barron’s Notes.”

 

 

    1.     Remember to focus on personality and character.  The character’s physical appearance and circumstances are significant only if they have affected his personality and character.

 

    2.     Think about the character’s philosophy, attitudes, motives, psychology, morality, relationships with others, patterns of behavior, and so forth.

 

    3.     Focus each independent clause on what the character is­–not on what he does.  Use his actions only to support an independent clause which focuses on his personality and character.  DO NOT SUMMARIZE PLOT.  DO NOT WRITE SENTENCES WHICH ONLY DESCRIBE AN ACTION.

 

 

Thesis Statement:  Waldo Kilkinney is essentially a kind, honorable man whose ambition for financial success results in his unhappiness.

 

     Topic Sentence 1:  Kilkinney’s actions in difficult circumstances reveal his kindness and honor.

 

     Topic Sentence 2:  Having grown up in poverty, Kilkinney is  ambitious to become a wealthy businessman.

 

     Topic Sentence 3:  Ultimately, Kilkinney becomes bitter and dissatisfied because his ambition and his honor conflict.

 

DUE DATES	PERIOD 1	21 November	PERIOD 5	21 November
	PERIOD 2	21 November	PERIOD 6	21 November
	PERIOD 3	21 November	PERIOD 7	22 November
	PERIOD 4	21 November