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For this assignment, you will select a character from one of the stories we have read up to this point and write a brief analysis (3 pages).
Often, the stories we remember most vividly are marked by memorable characters that appeal (or repel) us for a variety of reasons. In this analysis you will make a case for why a certain character is compelling and how they are developed in the story through the author’s specific writing techniques.
Authors draw short story characters carefully, providing details in different ways (through direct and indirect characterization) and through arranging other elements in the story to help us understand character motivations, conflicts, and responses. We primarily learn about characters in these ways:
What a character thinks and says
Through a character’s actions
What the narrator and other characters think and say
The character’s physical appearance
How the character is associated with certain symbols
Reading Journal Brainstorming: To prepare to write your analysis, begin by mapping out examples for each of the relevant bullet points above for your selected character in your reading journal. Then, formulate a specific thesis statement that advances a position about the character (what is compelling about them, how the author develops the character and for what purpose, etc.).
Your analysis should clearly articulate your thesis statement and then discuss specific examples from the story to demonstrate your position on the character.
To demonstrate your close reading skills, your examples should be accompanied by specific quotations from the text illustrating things like the character’s speech and reactions and the narrator’s or other characters’ insights about the selected character.
Like a short story, your short character analysis should be sharply focused and concise, so strive to be precise in making your points and with your selected examples.
Please see Purdue OWL’s website (Links to an external site.) for information on correct incorporation of quotations in your analysis.
See the rubric for specific evaluation criteria.
Rubric
Analysis Rubric
Analysis Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis
10 to >8.0 pts
Excellent
The analysis includes a specific thesis that clearly articulates the writer’s position.
8 to >6.0 pts
Satisfactory
The analysis includes a thesis, but it needs to be more specific or clear in articulating the writer’s postion.
6 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
The thesis is vague or unclear and/or difficult to identify.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTextual Examples
40 to >36.0 pts
Excellent
The writer’s thesis/position is convincingly supported throughout with a close and careful examination of specific, well-chosen examples from the text.
36 to >26.0 pts
Satisfactory
The writer’s thesis/position is supported with some examination of specific examples, but additional examples/ discussion would better support the writer’s thesis/point of view.
26 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
The writer’s thesis/position is underdeveloped. Additional examination of specific examples is needed throughout.
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuotations
30 to >25.0 pts
Excellent
The writer effectively and consistently incorporates well-chosen, relevant quotations throughout to support their main points.
25 to >19.0 pts
Satisfactory
The writer incorporates some relevant quotations to support their points, but additional quotations are needed to strengthen the analysis.
19 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
The writer does not incorporate relevant quotations to support the main points.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
10 to >8.0 pts
Excellent
The analysis is very well-organized. The thesis provides direction, paragraphs are guided by strong topic sentences, and there are smooth transitions between ideas throughout.
8 to >6.0 pts
Satisfactory
The analysis is mostly well-organized. The thesis and topic sentences are mostly clear and easy to follow. Stronger transitions between ideas would be helpful.
6 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
The analysis lacks clear organization. The purpose of some paragraphs/ examples may be unclear. A lack of transitions makes the writer’s points difficult to follow.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConventions, Grammar, and Mechanics
10 to >8.0 pts
Excellent
The analysis is well-written, adhering to the stylistic conventions in the assignment criteria and is virtually error free. MLA formatting is correct.
8 to >6.0 pts
Satisfactory
The analysis is mostly well-written and adheres to the stylistic conventions in the assignment criteria but it does contain some noticeable errors. MLA formatting is mostly correct.
6 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
Then analysis fails to adheres to the stylistic conventions in the assignment criteria. There are sufficient errors in the analysis to interfere with clarity/meaning. MLA formatting is incorrect.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
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