Teach the Character Analysis Essay Lesson
Teaching Students to Write Effectively Using The Outsiders by Hinton
May 15, 2008
Help Direct Students' Writing Efforts
High school students often have difficulty starting to write an essay. They just can't seem to figure out where to begin. Structuring the essay can also be difficult, especially for students with learning challenges. By breaking down an essay into component parts and listing specific questions, teachers guide students in the writing process and help them quickly complete a rough draft. Here is an assignment you can give your students to help them understand the process of writing an essay.
Directions for Character Analysis Essay:
1. Write a five paragraph rough draft by answering the questions below. This rough draft will be a separate grade from the final copy.
2. You will be working on the rough draft in class and use it to write a final character analysis essay. You will be expected to proofread your rough draft, edit your work by making revisions on the rough draft, and rewrite a clean final copy in class.
3. You will be graded on your rough draft, revisions and final copy of this essay.
Essay Assignment: Select a character from The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton [Puffin,1995] and write an essay answering the following questions about him or her. Be sure tospecifically answer each question in each paragraph.
Paragraph 1:
- Who is your selected character?
- Why did you pick this character?
- What do you like and/or dislike about this character?
- Do you identify with this character on any level?
- Do you know someone similar to him or her? Explain.
Paragraph 2:
- How is this character revealed at the beginning of the novel?
- Give two specific examples and include one direct quote that describes this character.
- How do these examples show what kind of character he or she is?
Paragraph 3:
- How does this character change throughout the course of this novel?
- Give two specific examples and include one direct quote which illustrates a change in the character (i.e. changes in their actions, attitudes, beliefs, or self-concept).
- Explain why this change is important to the character.
Paragraph 4:
- Describe the character near or at the end of the novel.
- Give two specific examples and include one direct quote which illustrates how or why they have changed.
- Do you think the change is for the better or for the worse?
Paragraph 5: (You have 2 options here; select only one.)
- Predict what will happen to the character the future, considering what has been revealed about him or her throughout the novel.
- Explain what you have learned through the experiences of this character and how you feel about what this character has been through.
This assignment clearly has a primary goal of helping reluctant students write an essay as well as a secondary goal of helping students practice analyzing a character from several perspectives. This assignment requires students to give specific support for their thoughts. Backing up their opinions with support from the text helps validate their essay and prepare them for research writing.
