Writing your character sketch essay…. All you need to know…..

Your Task: You will write a character analysis of one of the characters from Nothing But the Truth. Your essay will have a minimum of 6 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 Introduction This is where you tell the reader what you are going to tell them. This contains your thesis statement and sign post sentence.

Paragraph 2 Physical traits Introduce the character and describe his/her physical features or traits.

Paragraph 3 Actions Explain how the character interacts with other individuals in the novel. How does his/her choice of language, what he/she says, show what kind of person he/she is? How do his/her actions show what kind of person he/she is?

Paragraph 4 Reactions How do other characters in the novel react to your character? What do they say to him/her? What do they say about him/her?

Paragraph 5 Evolution/Growth Is there any evidence of growth in your chosen character? Does the character learn anything by the end of the novel, and come to some kind of deeper understanding, or does he/she fail to learn anything at all.

Paragraph 6 Conclusion This is where you “tell me what you have told me”. Pull all the threads together with a “clincher” at the end.

Each paragraph of the body will have the following basic format:  Topic sentence. (You will need to underline the topic sentence of each paragraph.)  First Point: The character is (you tell what he/she is).  “Quote to support claim (Evidence).” (p. 34)  Sentence in your own words to further Explain quote.

You will easily captivate the reader’s attention and he will connect with you as a writer. (Your voice is strong!)

The reader will be enchanted by your excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation. (You know writing conventions)

The reader is enthralled with your brilliant vocabulary and superior syntactical structure. (Word choice and fluency are a piece of cake for you!)

The reader will be readily convinced that your view is the best, the most brilliant, the only valid one because your argument is strong and well presented (Your organization and ideas are second to none!)

Last, but not least, your choice of font size and style do not distract the reader at all and he can clearly focus on what you are saying. (Your presentation is sublime!)

What do I do now? Decide on your opinion of your character. Make statements (these will end up being your topic sentences) about the various characteristics Find evidence from the text that supports your statement (point). Complete a mind map.

HAPPY WRITING!