Todays Standard 3.3 analyze characters both internally and externally. 1.2 support claims and ideas with examples, anecdotes and descriptions.

Analyzing a character requires you to draw a conclusion about the character based on the following: Thoughts of the character Thoughts of the character Actions of the character Actions of the character Physical description of the character Physical description of the character Unique words used by the character Unique words used by the character Speech pattern of the character Speech pattern of the character How others react to character How others react to character

To effectively analyze a character, your conclusions must be supported with evidence. Evidence= examples from the text.

Your task is to analyze the character of either Brian Piccolo or Gale Sayers. 1. Write on your paper: Brian Piccolo (or Gale Sayers) is ___________ and ____________. Fill in the two blanks with adjectives (describing words) that you think apply, drawing on your knowledge from the play Brians Song.

You now have your thesis statement. You now have your thesis statement. Below it write Thoughts Thoughts Actions Actions Physical description Physical description Unique words Unique words Speech pattern Speech pattern How others react to character How others react to character Now you need to look in the textbook for evidence of these things that support your thesis. Write the quotes, and their page number, next to the heading.

Format for your Character Analysis First Paragraph: First Paragraph: Title of story and authors name Title of story and authors name Brief summary of story (2-3 sentences) Brief summary of story (2-3 sentences) Your thesis Your thesisExample: The story of Brians Song, by William Blinn is a touching tribute to real-life athlete Brian Piccolo. The story follows Chicago Bears players Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo during their years with the team. Both Gale and Brian face obstacles and lean on each other for support. The character of Gale Sayers proves to be a dedicated athlete as well as a steadfast friend throughout the story in spite of hardships that he faces. The story of Brians Song, by William Blinn is a touching tribute to real-life athlete Brian Piccolo. The story follows Chicago Bears players Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo during their years with the team. Both Gale and Brian face obstacles and lean on each other for support. The character of Gale Sayers proves to be a dedicated athlete as well as a steadfast friend throughout the story in spite of hardships that he faces.

Second Paragraph 1. Introduce first adjective that describes character. 2. Sentence introducing first quote 3. Quote from text with page number 4. Sentence introducing second quote 5. Second Quote from text with page number 6. Sentence discussing quotes and how they support your thesis Example: Gale Sayers is an extraordinary athlete who pushes himself very hard. For example on page 288 Brian and Gale discuss Sayers being recognized as the best new player. Brian: Magic– I think Im going to write you a speech. Gale: What kind of speech? Brian: Acceptance speech for Rookie of the Year. Later in the story Gale shows his athletic ability when he comes back from a bad knee injury, able to run as fast as Brian. Brian looks over briefly at Gale, then he picks up the pace a little, opening a few yards between them. Gales eyes flash as Brian moves away, but he picks it up again. Hes shoulder to shoulder with Pic (page 297). These examples show that Gale Sayers was quite an athlete during his years with the Bears. He was recognized for his efforts on the field and also gave his all off of the field. Gale Sayers is an extraordinary athlete who pushes himself very hard. For example on page 288 Brian and Gale discuss Sayers being recognized as the best new player. Brian: Magic– I think Im going to write you a speech. Gale: What kind of speech? Brian: Acceptance speech for Rookie of the Year. Later in the story Gale shows his athletic ability when he comes back from a bad knee injury, able to run as fast as Brian. Brian looks over briefly at Gale, then he picks up the pace a little, opening a few yards between them. Gales eyes flash as Brian moves away, but he picks it up again. Hes shoulder to shoulder with Pic (page 297). These examples show that Gale Sayers was quite an athlete during his years with the Bears. He was recognized for his efforts on the field and also gave his all off of the field.