Introduction to Character Paragraph 8 th grade Short Story Unit

State (topic sentence) Make an observation about a character, but try to go deeper than surface level. Example: Paul, the protagonist in Tangerine, is easily intimidated and feels insecure.

Support (Concrete Detail) Just like in the theme paragraph, you need to give background information, introduce and format a quote correctly, and make sure your quote backs up your state (topic sentence) Example: His insecurity can be seen in his interactions with his older brother Erik and Erik’s friends. When he speaks about his brother, he admits, “I’ve always been afraid of Erik. Now I get to be afraid of Erik and Arthur” (40).

Explain (Commentary) Just like in your theme paragraph, your commentary section needs to explain in your own words HOW the quote PROVES your point about the character. (Hint: if you start with “This quote shows… it can help you remember to focus on the quote and not just summarize!) Example: This quote shows that Paul is insecure because he does not try to change things or stand up for himself. In fact, he has spent his entire life being afraid of his brother, and when his brother gets a new friend, he just lets the friend scare him as well. Moreover, Paul never discusses these things with his brother or faces the problem head on. He just allows the fear to continue, showing how easily intimidated he is and insecure in his own abilities to be brave and speak up for himself.

Combine it all into one paragraph! Paul, the protagonist in Tangerine, is easily intimidated and feels insecure. His insecurity can be seen in his interactions with his older brother Erik and Erik’s friends. When he speaks about his brother, he admits, “I’ve always been afraid of Erik. Now I get to be afraid of Erik and Arthur” (40). This quote shows that Paul is insecure because he does not try to change things or stand up for himself. In fact, he has spent his entire life being afraid of his brother, and when his brother gets a new friend, he just lets the friend scare him as well. Moreover, Paul never discusses these things with his brother or faces the problem head on. He just allows the fear to continue, showing how easily intimidated he is and insecure in his own abilities to be brave and speak up for himself.