Mastering Character Analysis Essay: Guidelines, And Types

How many people do you know? We mean ‘truly’ know – their essential character traits, feelings and patterns of behavior. There are many more than you could even imagine.

Harry Potter, Lady Macbeth, Dorian Grey, Wonder Woman, Dr Strange, Ophelia, Batman, and Mickey Mouse – we can keep listing names forever, but perhaps you got our message. You know these characters are not quite real, or you can't communicate with them. However, you can worry about their destiny, share their notions and beliefs, and learn their best life lessons.

How do you know all this? Probably, by analyzing your favorite heroes and character. Character analysis is a common assignment for students pursuing fine arts, literature, and psychology. It is a remarkable way to extract core messages conveyed in a film, play or book by taking a close look at the desire, inspiration, fear, growth, and conversations with other characters. Besides being just another task you have to complete, writing this kind of essay help you master the precious skill of viewing things from someone else's perspective and comprehending people around you in exceptional ways.

Sounds fascinating, right? This comprehensive post aims to walk you through the effective guidelines to write an impeccable character analysis essay, types of character analysis and offer a sample character analysis template to help you navigate the entire process effectively.

Ready? Let's get started, then!

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What is a Character Analysis Essay? A Quick Overview

Akin to any academic essay paper you write, it is significant to understand what you're doing before you go knee-deep to begin crafting your paper. So, let's start with the fundamentals – what truly is a character analysis essay?

• The character analysis essay solely lays emphasis on the ‘character’ of a story. Essay writers seeks to assess the traits, motivations and behavior of a character.
• The analysis should also disclose crucial figures and facts and lessons one can acquire from the characters about life.
• This analysis should not be solely based on facts, but the writer also requires reading the character’s psychology, his/her emotions, his/her reaction to a certain situation, and the motivation behind a specific attitude.
• The review should also extract conclusions from the approach of the character and connect it to life. This must be achieved by the usage of ample evidence offered in the story by the author.
• Mostly, the characters are asked to analyze from literature. However, they can be from other forms of art like a novel, movies, TV shows, or other kinds of stories.
• So, despite your personal preferences and beliefs, utilising your critical thinking skills and being objective towards the characters you are assessing is crucial.

Clear till now? We are sure you are. Let’s now go on to the next section to find out what’s the purpose of writing a remarkable character analysis!

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Character Analysis Essay: What’s the Purpose?

Do you know crafting an exceptional character analysis essay helps the writer as well as the readers comprehend characters and their world? It helps in understanding the story’s idea from the very beginning.

Amazed to see the significance of penning down an outstanding character analysis paper? Then, check out some other essential reasons for drafting an exemplary character analysis essay outline –

• One of the essential objectives of writing a perfect character analysis formatis that it helps in taking an in-depth look at the anatomy of a character in a story and scrutinizing who he/she is.  
• It also helps in learning the ways the character was shaped and then taking important lessons from their life.
• Often, it is an outstanding way to comprehend and evaluate the broader context of a story, as well as how the story is crafted.
• Essentially, your educators assign a critical analysis essay to evaluate how well you've read, comprehended and interpreted the characters in the story to figure out if you have understood the overall meaning of the text.
• Writing a detailed character analysis essay also enables you to comprehend the intentions of the author behind using symbolism, foreshadowing and other literary devices that lie embedded within the characters.
• Lastly, conducting a remarkable character analysis helps you assess a literary work's interconnectedness.

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Character Analysis: Exploring the Remarkable Ways to Do it Exceptionally

Conducting a character analysis, especially on an intriguing character, can be exciting. The process demands remarkable investigative skills and an innate desire to comprehend the 'personality' of an individual who is the creative process of a writer.

Have a look at certain crucial aspects you need to keep in mind when writing a stellar character analysis –

• Inspiration

What are the crucial reasons for analyzing the characters acting the way they do? What are the reasons behind them making certain choices? Do they behave spontaneously or ethically? Finally, try to take into consideration the characters that you find intriguing.

• Actions

What are the ways in which the character acts? How do their certain actions impact the humans around them? Are they kind to prevent wrong things from occurring? Or are they evil and have malicious intentions? Ensure to figure out the morals and behaviors of the characters and the ways they have impacted different situations and other characters throughout the entire story.  

• Interaction

Do you think the character is knowledgeable and skilled? Do they use slang or only general phrases while speaking? Do they make conversation like a cheerleader or an investigator? It is significant to figure out the answers to these crucial questions, as countless books do not include pictures or photos. Hence, the author requires painting a character with the use of words. 

• Explanations

How are those who speak with the character described? In what ways do the characters describe themselves? Take note of these explanations, regardless of whether they are physical, sentimental or judgmental.

• Names

What kind of imagery does the name of characters like 'Problem Anne' or 'The Selfish Giant' portray? Do you usually find yourself making presumptions on the basis of these names? Undeniably you do, and that’s what exactly the author or the poet aims to happen.

As you see you need to employ different methods to develop a profound knowledge of any character and immerse yourself in the literary piece or movie. With this clear overview in mind, you are now ready to find out the various kinds of characters you will need to analyze while writing an effective critical analysis paper!

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Deep Diving into the Different Types of Characters in a Literary Work

Before you go knee-deep to develop a comprehensive idea of how to write a character analysis essay, it is crucial to comprehend the various kinds of characters you will encounter in a story or movie, as well as the best ways to determine them. Remember, the kind of character you decide to analyze will hugely affect your ability to craft an excellent and extensive discussion.

You also need to determine the importance of a character, and opting for the wrong one can prove to be disastrous. Have a look at the extensive list of certain crucial characters, along with lucid examples from renowned literary works and movies we've curated below –

• Major

These are the primary characters that run a story or a movie. Generally, there are only one or two major characters. Now, major characters can be of two kinds – the protagonist (the good guy) and the antagonist (the bad guy or the villain).

• Protagonist

The protagonist is the main character on whom the story is based. Every single story told, or movie made comprises at least one main protagonist – without whom, your entire story would lack a leg to stand on.

Examples – ‘Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series',  'Romeo in Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare',  'Alice in Alice in Wonderland', 'Frodo from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien', 'Katniss Everdeen in the series Hunger Games', etc. 

• Antagonist

Generally, the antagonist implies the villain or enemy in a story. The antagonist basically opposes the protagonist. This is not always an individual. It could also be a natural power, a series of unfortunate circumstances, a majestic being, and the like.

Examples - ‘Lex Luthor in Superman’, ‘Iago in Othello of Shakespeare', 'Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice of Jane Austen', 'Darth Vader from the series Star Wars by George Lucas", etc.

• Minor

These are generally side characters that generally don't add anything to the real plot of the story. They are someone who pops here and then and requires being incorporated for the progression of the story.

Examples – ‘Cinna in the series Hunger Games’, ‘Aunt March in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott’, ‘Fleur Delacour in Harry Potter', 'Mace Windu in the Saga of Star Wars', etc.

• Dynamic

It implies an individual who evolves and changes as a human constantly throughout the story. Generally, the protagonist is a dynamic character who learns a lesson and becomes a better or evil person with time.

Example – Harry Potter is a remarkable example. Throughout the entire book or movie, we see him observing his similarities to Voldemort. But, he tends to resist these traits. Unalike Voldemort, he is a remarkable human being and thus successfully holds out against his desire to become a dark wizard. 

• Static

This denotes characters that usually stay the same throughout the entire story or movie. He/she doesn't really tend to experience any kind of evolvement or growth.

Example – Atticus Finch of 'How to Kill a Mockingbird' is a remarkable example. His character and perspectives never change throughout the story. He stands determined in his notions despite the disputed circumstances. 

• Foil

This denotes characters that prevail as contrasting figures against the protagonist. They are not essentially an antagonist or a villain but an individual who possesses incredibly distinct traits from the protagonist.

Example – George and Lennie of ‘Mice and Men’ are an outstanding example. Though they are best buddies, they are complete opposites. Lennie is huge, strong, and mentally disabled, while George is little, wise, and incredibly skinny. The author depicts both of their opposing personalities as well as the ways they complete one another remarkably.  

Sounds like a lot to digest, doesn’t it? However, this overly challenging process can become more straightforward by knowing how to craft the perfect character analysis format. On that note, let’s go on to the next section to figure out the best ways to draft a remarkable character analysis outline!

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The 101 of Crafting the Perfect Character Analysis Essay Outline

When you’re skeptical of how to craft the synopsis of a character, know that crafting the perfect character analysis essay outline is one of the most vital steps. A remarkably constructed character analysis format will help you keep your thoughts and ideas organized effectively.

Here’s what your character analysis project outline should look like –

Outline of Character Analysis Essay

Introduction

• This section of your character analysis essay guide should be meaningful and brief. It should hold your entire paper together and captivate the interest of your readers successfully.
• It must incorporate a brief explanation of the character in question.
• It should also incorporate a character analysis essay thesis help statement that makes a strong case for the relevance of the character within the narrative context.

Body Paragraphs

• The character analysisbody paragraphs should be organized and categorized in a way that addresses different areas or ideas concerning a character.
• It should address the below-mentioned questions to formulate an outstanding analysis remarkably –
• What are the physical appearance, background and personality of the character?
• What are the obstacles the character encounters, and in what ways did he/she conquer them?
• What are the lessons that can be acquired from the life of the character?
• What is the significance of the actions of the character? What inspires him/her?
• In what way the character treats others? Is he/she biased or fair-minded?
• What is the choice of the words of the characters? Does he/she have a remarkable vocabulary?
• In what words can the character describe himself/herself or the others?
• What words can be associated with the character?  

Conclusion

• This should restate your thesis and outline the crucial traits or conclusions from your character analysis.
• It should incorporate the summarization of the personality of a character
• It must recap their conflicts, challenges, and relationships
• It must also restate the moral lessons

To connect the relevant theory to the practice, have a look at the exceptional critical analysis format template given below –

Character Analysis Templete Essay Format

Introduction

•Introduce the title of the story and the author.
•Give the background of the story.
•Thesis:In a single sentence,state the main traits of the character and how they affect other characters aswell asthethemes of the story.

Describe how the character is revealed atthe beginning of the story

•Introduce the adjective that will describe the character.
•Make reference to what other authors say aboutthe character
•State and explain howthe trait Identified affects the story.

Describe how the character evolvesthroughoutthe courseof the story

•Identify the adjective that best describesthe character.
•Not the change that the character undergoesthroughout the story or novel
•Explain the significance of the change in the character's traits.

Describe the traits of the character atthe end of the novel

•Note how different the character is from the character at the beginning of the story.
•Note whether the character haschanged forbetter orworse.
•lf there Is no change, observe whether that Is right or bad for the character

Conclusion

•Explain the lessons learned from the experiencesof the character.
•State the feelings Inlight of what the character has gonethrough.

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How to Write an Impeccable Critical Analysis Essay? Essential Guidelines to Know

This is a sticking point for most students. Crafting an impeccable critical analysis essay may have its unique share of challenges, but it doesn’t have to be a hard nut to crack. To help our readers craft the best possible character analysis essays, we have provided certain essential steps that will enable you to take your essay writing game to the next level.

Have a look –

Select Your Character

Usually, your educators will assign a character for you to evaluate, or you will be provided with the liberty to select on your own. Now, if you can choose your own, try to go for the most dynamic character. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a protagonist or the key character. However, simply make sure there’s ample substance for you to work with. If you select a less-important character to work with, it will become challenging to craft an in-depth analysis.

Example – You are going through the classic 'Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain. So, you can decide to select characters like Huck or Jim, who is the runaway slave, as they are dynamic characters who demonstrate a diverse range of emotions. They also help in advancing the plot forward with their actions. 

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Consider the Character While Going Through the Story

Even though you have gone through the story previously, ensure to read it diligently again. When you do this, you will observe new things. Take into consideration each place your character pops up and figure out the answers to the following –

In what ways the author describes them?

Like,  in the above example of Huckleberry Fin, you can consider the ways Huck is defined as a boy of the backwoods. However, he fights greater obstacles that comprise complicated social repercussions like religion and slavery.  

What types of relationships do the characters have with the rest of the characters?

For the above example, consider the ways Huck connects to Jim, both at the novel's starting and ending points. Consider the relationship of Huck with his abusive and alcoholic father and the ways it developed his identity.

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In what ways do the actions of the character advance the plot of the novel?

Here, you can consider the ways Huck determines to save Jim from people who aim to return him to his owner as he figures out that the concept of slavery is extremely wrong.

What challenges does the character encounter?

Here, you need to consider how the character of Huck learns and evolves through the story. In the starting, he makes the scheme of mocking his own death. However, later on, he refrains from the mockery by getting rid of the fraudulent king and queen.

Select the Key Idea

Assimilate all of your notes about the character and consider a key idea that relates to them. This will formulate your thesis statement for your character analysis. The critical analysis thesis statement should frame your key idea and illustrate what the essay will be about. You also need to write a specific statement about the character and then back it up with the wealth of evidence of you've assimilated.

Example –

Thesis Statement	Explanation
û Oedipus Rex is self-confident, and he is seeking the truth. Oedipus is also a character who encounters a downfall towards the end of the play.	This is not a good thesis statement. It fails to establish any remarkable connection between the traits of the character and the results. It also comprises irrelevant information about the ending point of the play.
ü Oedipus Rex is a proud man who   insistently looks for the truth. And, it is at the end of the play, it is his truth and ego that decide his downfall.	This is an excellent thesis statement. It describes that the character comprises two key traits –he is extremely egoistic and looks for the truth. It then describes these traits are responsible for his downfall.

 

Answer the Analysis Questions

Now that you've noted certain key concepts about your chosen character, here is a comprehensive list of questions that can enable you to fill in the blanks you may still have to craft a detailed character analysis outline –

• What are the kind of relationships between your character and other crucial characters?
• Where did the events involving your character occur?
• What is the key change your chosen character underwent through throughout the entire story?
• What is the background of your character?
• What is the profession of your character?
• What are the kinds of emotions your character went through?
• What are the moral values of your character?
• Does your character have companions?
• Did your character learn anything by the end of the story?
• Did your character accomplish the objectives he/she set in the starting?

Craft a Compelling Introduction

The starting of your character analysis essay is the vital part. It tends to set the mood and captivate the attention of its readers. There exist countless ways to craft a character analysis essay introduction, but here are some of the most remarkable ones –

• Include a Quotation – This is an incredible way to create a catchy hook. If this relates to the character and also helps in reflecting their nature, then it can enable you to set the tone for your analysis.
• Briefly Speak of the Story– Try to specify the name of the author, the story, and the genre. You can also explain the key events that are occurring in the story briefly.
• Establish the Character– Explain their role in the story you're analyzing (whether they're the protagonist, an antagonist, a minor, and the like). Then, describe if the character is dynamic or static. Finally, explain them in 2-3 sentences.

Also, ensure to incorporate the thesis statement you determined initially. This would enable you to make a case for the relevance of the character within the narrative context.

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Craft Informative Body Paragraphs

The main body can incorporate as many character analysis paragraphs as required. Here, you need to introduce the character and evaluate them.

Now, the first body paragraph should incorporate the key personality traits, explain the scenes where the character demonstrates these traits and the ways these traits change throughout the entire story. The second paragraph should incorporate the inspirations, challenges, relationships, and conflicts of the character. The third paragraph should describe the moral message the journey of the character can teach us. Also, ensure to remember that every body paragraph must comprise a essay topics that captivates its key idea.

Wrap up With a Strong Conclusion

The character analysis conclusion must hold all your ideas together and shape the final analysis statement. Also, remember this is the final opportunity to not only restate the thesis but also outline the critical traits or outcomes from your evaluation of the character in question. You can also specify certain aspects about the challenges of the character that we also could experience in real life. You can also describe the ways a character should have reacted to a specific situation.

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Unique Character Analysis Examples to Draw Inspiration

We thought of providing exceptional character analysis essay samples so that you have a remarkable visual understanding of the character analysis format, structure, as well as writing style.

Go through these samples rigorously to comprehend how to compose unique character analysis essays in a compelling way –

• Harry Potter character analysis

Harry Potter has always trusted his Headrnaster, Dumbledore. He knows that Dumbledore is
right - most of the time - and he has put his trust in him so rnuch that if Durnbledore tells Harry to do or not do sornething,he obeys. Harry has learned many things frorn Dumbledore and trust is only one of them. He has grown so much frorn the time he was eleven to the tirne he turned seventeen. His growth is irnpacted by the decisions he makes star ting out as a child,turning into a teenager, as he becornes a good student, and as he turns into a man.

Harry Potter starts out as a friendly and curious child. He gets to know people who become very close to him. His two best friends, Ron and Hermione,and his godfather, Sirius Black,help and care about him. By having these three people in his life,Harry can grow because he has people to talk to and support hirn Harry is curious,but his curiosity has proven to be a help in his life. In his first year at Hogwarts,Harry is curious about what is hidden in the third-floor corridor, and when he finds out that there is a stone that keeps one frorn dying, he ends up stopping Voldernort from gaining immortal life. In Harry's second year, he discovers the Chamber of Secrets through a diary and he ends up saving Ron's sister when she is taken into the chamber. Harry learns that curiosity is a good thing,but he must exercise caution with it as well.

Due to certain events,Harry is forced to become a strong and brave teenager. Sorneone enters his name in a very dangerous tournament and he is forced to compete. He risks his own life and in the end, he defeats Voldernort,sees a friend die,and gets by with a narrow escape. By defeating Voldemort,he showed that he was brave enough to fight for himself. In his fifth year, Harry must dealwith people accusing him of lying that Voldernort has returned, and Voldemort begins to invade his rnind. Voldemort eventually takes advantage of this and lures Harry into a trap. Harry risks his own life and his friends' lives to stop Voldernort from knowing an important prophecy. Harry also sees his godfather, Sirius,rnurdered. From experiencing the horrors of these events,Harry becornes stronger and learns from his mistakes.

After the life-threatening events of the past two years,Harry learns about trust and determination. He has private lessons with Dumbledore so that he can learn how to kill Voldernort. Dumbledore teaches Harry how to trust him and others. Harry learns about Voldernort's seven Horcruxes,which are pieces of soul stored in objects that keep one frorn dying unless allthe Horcruxes are destroyed Harry develops the determination to find and destroy thern so that he can kill Voldemort. In the end, Harry learns that it is hard to trust a person when one of his professors,Snape,kills Durnbledore. Harry grows and carries on with being determined and trusting others.

When Dumbledore dies Harry is more deterrnined than ever to do what is right and finish what Durnbledore started. In the beginning,Harry is forced to hide when dark wizards take over the Ministry. While in hiding, Harry is deterrnined to find the seven Horcruxes that he had started looking for with Dumbledore. By rnaking the decision to find the Horcruxes he grows in the sense that he knows how to stick with his decisions. He knows that there is a Horcrux at Hogwarts and when he goes there, a war begins with the good side against the dark side. Harry finds out that he is one of the Horcruxes and sacrifices hirnself because he knows that it is right. Voldernort casts the killing spell on Harry but he doesn't die; instead,the Horcrux inside of him dies. Harry ends up killing Voldemort and he learns that determination and doing what is right helped hirn destroy the most powerful dark wizard of all time.

Harry was a child that grew into a teenager, turned into a good student,and became a man because of the decisions he made. He grew a great amount from the time he received his first letter frorn Hogwarts to when he got married and started a farnily of his own. If he didn't make the decisions that showed he was brave,a true friend, strong, trustworthy, and trusting,then he wouldn't have grown into the man he became. People grow frorn the decisions they make, not the decisions that others rnade for them. Harry was a great exarnple of an independent person who was able to make his own decisions but was able to rely on trust in the end. And yet, can a personjust rely on trust?

• Hamlet character analysis essay

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most extended and probably the most famous English language play ever written.In the script, the character Hamlet is the protagonist. Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, is the queen of Denmark. His uncle,Claudius recently killed his father,King Hamlet and married Gertrude. Hamle s actions depict him to have a lot of contradictions, reckless but cautious.Shakespeare captures the human characteristics perfectly with the character of Hamlet with an inconsistency of emotions such that no one knows what he will do next. The cast of Hamlet evolves all through from the beginning due to external factors around him with the main ones being the actions of his mother, his uncle murdering his father and his behavior as well as the ghost asking him to revenge his father's death.

During the start of this play, Hamlet is in a pensive and gloomy mood looking withdrawn due to the tragic death of his father. Even without Shakespeare describing what has transpired,one can envision Hamlet's state from his black dressing,tousled hair, pale face and brooding eyes which express his grief.His appearance describes grief in allforms and moods. His mother notices his outward grieving appearance.However,Hamlet makes it clear that his debut does not sufficiently express the amount of sorrow he has within.

Although Hamlet's mother had already forgotten King Hamlet and moved on, Hamlet would not forget his father. Shakespeare states "Thou know'st 't s common;all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity" (1). In this case, Hamlet's sorrow is propelled by his loss of feeings for the people heis close with,and more importantly,by the evilactions of Gertrude. She married his uncle Claudius a month after the death of her husband,Ha mlet's father. Shakespeare writers "Treachery ! Seekit out" (1).In this case, the treacherous act of Gertrude,whom the pr nce had a great love for, scatters every inch of Hamlet's life and trust,and he ends up torturing his mind with memories of how King Hamlet loved and cher shed Gertrude.

Hamlet has a lot of respect for his father that he compa res to Hyper on,who was believed to be a Titan told in classicalmyths. However,he compares Claudius to the satyr who was Hyperion's antagonist. He was given most of the worst descriptions one could imagine. He was called a pig and half-human for his high and dirty nature, and this offers Hamlet a godlike view about his father. Thus, Hamlet develops disgust for Claudius and his behaviors.The prince finds the lewd behavior of any kind is unacceptable but specifically dislike sex dancing and drinking (Amarang9 1).While waiting for the ghost at the castle wall,Hamlet hears the king talking below telling Horatio how the world is feeling contempt for his drunk countrymen.

Ophelia gets mixed in Hamlet's plot to expose Claudius in the most dramatic way possible. He pretends to be mad. His guiding motivationis the conscious trait of an over-thinking phlosopher. His pretense extends the drama as if Hamlet is writing the play himself.In the process,Hamlet hurts Ophelia's feeings. However,Ha mlet's attitudes towards women have been tainted by Gertrude and Claudius' actions. Hamlet's love for Ophelia can be seen through the gifts and letters he used to give to her before his father's death.While trying to become his father's mouthpiece about how he could not chastise his wife,his love for Opheia diminishes (Mabillard 1). He begins to treat her with cruelty and thus destroys her.

Hamlet is unable to control his feelings and thoughts.At one instance he hates Ophelia , but in the next, he wants to engage into sexualint macy with her.Although it may seem asif Hamlet is crazy;he is not lost in his madness fa9ade. He is only using Ophelia to further the pretense and make it look as if heis insane.In some instances, he doesn't lash out at Ophelia but uses some hurtfulwords and shows her disrespectful behavior.Ha mlet should be blamed for mistreating Ophelia.Although lucid and brilliant,Hamlet is driven by his rage for Gertrude's betrayalinto destroying the innocent Ophelia. He uses Ophelia as a tool to expose his host le behavior which he hides from Claudius. Hamlets affection for Ophelia is only seen when he realizes she has died and is freed from woman trappings.

Hamlet has a burning desire to embrace those he despises beneath his cruelty and cynic nature. He loved his mother and wanted to feel the love aga in. He confronts Gertrude and relents that the spir t needs to intercede for her, but itis clear he longs to show her some affection and comfort each other. However,hislove and fr iendship cannot outdo his depressions and the responsibility of revenge.There is a possibility that Hamlet has an oedipal complexin which he identifies with Claudius'crime (Amara ng9 1). It is the unconscious desire of sons want ng to kill their fathers and become their mothers'objects of affection. However, His faith in humanity is already destroyed, and at some time he contemplates suicide.

Hamlet's possibility of getting happiness and normalcy is tarnished by the appearance of his father's ghost which demands him to seek revenge.Although he longs to see his uncle paying for the crimes he committed,hamlet sees killing a king as an evilact. The ghost is asking him to murder Claudius, something he stands against.
Hamlet hates Claudius for his actions of treachery,but to him,the position of committing murder is unnaturalto him (Mabillard 1).Therefore,Hamlet takes more time before doing his revenge.In the play,however,it seems like a short time but severalmonths have elapsed since his meeting with the ghost. He prays alonein his chambers for the perfect time to come when he avenges his father.

The prince's perpetual introspection helps him overcome his anxiety when he comes back from exile. He is different thatis a calm nature, he is rat onalin reasoning,and he is not afra id of death (Shakespeare 1). He realizes that destiny controls all lives andis ready to face the truth of murdering while avenging his father. He uses fate as a scapegoat to distance himself from the killing of King Claudius. With this climax of phlosophy, Hamlet has prepared himself for death. Even after his death, his prince qualities remain with imprints in the minds of the audience. He is a soldier and brave.

In summary, Hamlet may be described as anintelligent, melancholy, brooding and a phiosopher who manipulates the people around him by manipulating his behavior. He understands his psychologicalstate after his act ons affect the people,he loves such as Ophelia dying.He is a brill ant character with most of his pract ces being acts rather than his true nature.

• John Proctor Character Analysis Essay

John Proctor is the protagonist of the novel The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Throughout the play, he is at the heart of the plot,the protagonist of the story.In fact, Proctor is involved in the Salem Witch trial in which his wife is accused of being a witch. This leads to an important change of his personality: John Proctor changes from a normal citizen and a sinner to a tragic hero,a person of high sense of morality. This evolution of his character is due to many situations he is faced with and which aroused strong feelings and beliefs.

John Proctor has experienced ma ny changes in The Crucible.At the beginning. he is not presented as a good man.In Acts 1 and 2. he commits adultery with Abigail. The play is set in a village where the religious community is very strict. This gives us a bad image of him as a man who commits adultery isn't believed to really respect his wife. Even though Abiga il can be considered as a whore. he stills abuses of his power of employer and takes advantage of the trust Elizabeth puts on him.It is also shocking because Abigail is much younger than John Proctor.Therefore it is immoral to have sexual relations with a girlwho could be your daughter.Proctor seems concerned only by his name which is likely to be affected by his s in. He feels guilt but yet the reader thinks that he is just dece ived by the fact tha1 he cannot wash his sin. He knows that it will follow him for the rest of his life. This can be illustrated in this quote: "But I'll plead no more!Isee now your spirit twists around the single error of my life,a nd Iwill never tear it free".

John Proctor in the first act is a weak man.He cannot criticize people as he is an example of a sinner.It would be very hypocritical to talk about others while lacking morality.

In addition,we see him whipping his servant who is still a young girlwith such violence. There is a great disparity between this physica l punishment and the principles of goodness and decency.
John Proctor also accuses Eliza beth of being too much co ld with him. He always is nervous when he talks to her. He ta lks angrily with Mary when she returns home after having gone Salem:·rn whip you if you dare leave this house aga in" (46).He acts like a bad-tempered man who gets angry quickly. Then, he shows curiosity to get more information about things going on in the court. Curiosity is a bad character trait.

Furthermore  John Proctor is very arrogant when he refuses to go to the church because he dislikes Pa rris and his sermons."Ihave trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation" (p28). He doesn't get baptized his young son and can't see the importa nce of doing it. He sees Parris as an ordinary man, not as a preacher and religious man: Like it not that Mr.Parris should lay his hand upon my baby.

Johncan really act with extremity sometimes in the novel. He clearly defies his religionand says that God doesn't exist anymore: Saying that God is dead is really insulting and shocking for people.

He can't stand Parris and doesn't takeinto consideration the fact that Parr s is the leader of the church and his role isn't easy. Proctor doesn't seem to respect the religious values of Salem Village at all.The community doesn't really matter for him.He breaks many commandments.

At the beginning of the book, John Proctor is globally presented as a stubborn manwho doesn't care about his society and her values. He doesn't show respect to Elizabeth by having anaffair with his servant Abigail. Proctor doesn't attend church services and isn't ready to do anythingjust because the people in the town want him to do it. He lives by himself and only does things that go with his own principles and beliefs.

Since the commencement, the reader can already guess that John Proctor is going to have problems because in the Salem society, people that do not conform to the moraland religious ethics are considered as an obstacle.John proctor disobeys all the rules so the reader can easily predict that he will soonget introuble.

Nevertheless, eventhough John Proctor acts like an outsider inthe Salem community,he is not allbad. He refuses Abigail's tricks and ends definitively his relation with her. He starts to show great attention to Elizabethand regrets a lot his sin. He also proposes to buy her a heifer. Proctoris very angry with Abigailwhen she insults his wife: oh, I marvelhow sucha strong man may let such a sickly wife be",This proves that John Proctor now wants to show to his wife how much he loves her and that his relationwith Abigail is just an error. He doesn't give into pleasures anymore withAbigaileven thoughshe still provokes him.He does his best to be loyalwith her as he knows that Elizabeth has heard of his affair and nowis really cold with him. Inthe quote "I have gone tip toe in this house all seven months she's beengone. Ihave not moved to somewhere where Idon't think to please you" (54), the reader can see how muchJohn is making efforts to compensate his sin.Johnwants to be forgivenand show her that he can be a really.

Moreover. he defends him with bravery whenCheever comes to take his wife andis really angry that people believe that Elizabeth is a witch.He does his best to defend her and therefore prove that Elizabeth has nothing to do with the Devil.John Proctor refuses that Elizabeth is charged and doesn't want her to go.Heis very angry and at the same time desperate that his wifeis going to be accused unfairly.He becomes really violent when he shakes Mary because he wants her to tell the truth about the puppet and the needle.At a moment,heloses all his hope:" A fire. a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer!I see his filthy face!And it is my face,andyours,Danforth! For themthat quailto bring men out of ignorance,as I have quaied,and as you quail now whenyou know in all your black hearts that this be fraud - God damns out kind especially,and we will burn together!" (119). When he understa nds that Mary's testimony cannot save Elizabeth, he takes the risk to confess his adultery so as to take an advantage onAbigail,who is really the person at the origin of allthe trouble.This shows how much he cares about his wife,change that was really unexpected.Elizabeth now knows that her husbandis a good man.She says:"Do what you will.But let none be yourjudge.There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is! Forgive me.forgive me.John-Inever knew such goodness inthe world!She covers her face.weeping"(110).

John Proctor fits the definition of a modern tragic hero.He fights for what he believes. He is against the hysteria and the injustice in the court andis ready to support all the consequences of his acts. He thinks that all thisis only a vengeance of Abigail:" She thinks to dance with me on my wife's grave!And well she might.for Ithought of her softly. God help me,Ilusted,and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore's vengeance,and you must see" (110). Proctor is really rebelled against thejudges and the witchcraft affairin which many of his family members and friends are implicated.Like a hero, he defends allof themand makes sure that everybody realizes how stupid and unfair the witchcraft affair is.No matter what happens,John Proctor couraqeously continues his battle.

• Lady Macbeth Character Analysis Essay

Lady Macbeth represents the idealexample of an individual with dynamic character development. who passes through major changes.From the very beginning of the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. Lady Macbethappears before the reader as a manipulative personality with angry intentions.However.the more events develop in the play.the more we can note the personal change in Lady Macbeth.when she begins to regret the things she has done.On the basis of Lady Macbeth's display.we see her transformation from an offensive woman into a sympathetic one.
In the muscle of the play.Lady Macbethis a highly manipulative person.who undoubtedly has an unlimited influence on the actions of her husband. These features of character are clearly traced through the plot and as a result throughthe death of King Duncan.Lady Macbeth's disrespect to her husbandcan be seenby her statement: "What beast was't then that madeyou break this enterpr se to me?When you durst do itthen you were a man;And to be more than what you were.you would be so much more the man..." (I.VII,52-64).
This statement successfully emphasizes her persuasive nature andprovides substantial and significant information about Lady Macbeth's character. Visibly.this pressure on Macbeth reveals the key theme of the play: thelink between genderand violence. In Lady Macbeth's personality.mascuinity and violence areintertw ined.which allows her to absolutely dominate the situat on to achieve her goals.She is convinced that Macbethis not masculine enough.because hewill never dareto commita violent murder of the King. Mockery of her husband estabishes their further development as characters. The sarcasm in Lady Macbeth's words illustrates her dominant features. which exercise a substant al influence on Macbeth and develop him into a cruel person inthe future.Lady Macbeth possesses all the necessary skills to convince her husband
not to hesitate to perform terr bleactions.She was capable of absolutely conducting her husband.implement ng the humliat on andthe conviction that pointed to her malign character.
There is an evident relationship between manipulations and ambitions inthis play. This means the ambitions of Lady Macbethforce her to convince her husbandto killinnocent people. The firstsign of her determinationis displayed inher solioquy,which begins with a tangible certainty and conviction."'Glamis thou art.and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised." (I.V.14-29) Strangely enough.this tone makes usincreasingly wary of her character.This captures the reader's attention andarouses the feeling of imminent wickedness.That is.the reader can determine the crucialrole of Lady Macbeth inthe construction of the darkness. However.her ambitious behavioris explicitin the story whenshe requires her husband to become king. According to witches. Macbethis judged to be king.but the ways of achieving this titlewere notdiscussed before Lady Macbethappeared.When her character firstappearsinthe play,sheis asking for spirits to unsex me" (I,V.44)."The language suggests that her womanhood.represented by breastsand mik,whichare usually symbols of a nurturer.prevents her from performing acts of violence andcruelty.which she associated with manliness." This scenario also points to a direct link between genderand violence.
This statement demonstrates her tremendous desire to become a queenand her willngness to make any sacrifice to achieve her personalgoal. A well-defined Lady
Macbethplan shows her vast ambition to become a Queenof Scotland.Lady Macbeth states to Macbeth:"0.never shallsun that morrow see!" (I,V.67-68) referring to the murdering of King Duncan.whichis an indisputable proof of her great ambit ons. Lady Macbethis so blinded by her goals that she has barely managed to consider the possible consequences for her fami y.This strong anduncompicated ambition for her possible future makes her abandon values andmorality.and follow only one goal,which leads to her fast approaching downfall. However.despite the sinister nature of Lady Macbeth. there is evidence that there is conscience andpityinside her soul. The first fact that Lady, has a gulty memory that haunts her.represents a statement "'where out desire is got without content."(111. II. 7). This speech shows the role of the queenis unfulfilled,and allthe actions of Lady Macbeth were nonsensical.thus point ng to her remorsefulfeelings.Another significant evidence of her guiltis seen inAct Five. Scene 1 when Lady Macbeth roams in a trance state that seems to be the sleep walk. Itis then we undoubtedly learn her deepest regrets andguilt.

This becomes apparent when she is detected saying: "Out. damned spot" (V.I.32) suggest ng she willnever be able to wash the blood off her hands.Dur ng these actions. another theme comes to the fore: appearance versus reality (Lady Macbeth seems wide­ awake.but sheis almost oblivious and reveals herinternalthoughts).These distressing sentiments intr ns cally cause her downfall by her suicide.When she dies by her own hand.she pays the most for the outcomes of her acts. Behind thetruth of her personaity. She inherits a change of heart that leads to theincontrovertib e proof that Lady Macbeth is a dynamic character.

Conclusion

Through the descript ons.dialogs and interactions of Lady Macbeth.we obtaina logical idea of herinner world.Along with the play development. we observe the change of her character from an ambitious and conv ncing woman to a miserable soul with remorse. This leads to alogicalconclus on that Lady Macbethis a dynamic character.This fundamentalchange of character causes deep sympathy byreaders: and.itis her actions that inevitably cause her own death inthe ult mate end.

Character Analysis Essay Prompts

Now that you have become well-versed with the effective guidelines for writing a character analysis, let’s check out certain fantastic character analysis essay prompts that will help you set the ball rolling right away.

Here you go –

1. Present a character analysis of Simba from the animated movie ‘The Lion King’.
2. Present a detailed analysis of Ebenezer Scrooge from ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.
3. Write a detailed character analysis of Anne from 'Anne of Green Gables.'
4. Present a detailed character analysis of Edmund from ‘The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe’.
5. Write a critical analysis of Snape from the series Harry Potter
6. Hamlet’s Horatio – Present a detailed character evaluation
7. Write a character analysis of Holden Caulfield of ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger
8. Present a detailed evaluation of Hazel from ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green
9. Write a detailed character analysis of Nick Botton from 'A Midsummer's Night Dream.'
10. Present a detailed analysis of Iago from 'Othello.'
11. Write an in-depth character analysis of Frodo from the 'Lord of the Rings'  by J.R.R Tolkien.
12. Present a detailed critical analysis of Lady Macbeth of William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’.
13. Write a detailed analysis of Robinson from ‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe.
14. Present a character evaluation of Jack from ‘The Lord of the Flies’  by William Golding.
15. Atticus Finch of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee – Present an in-depth critical analysis
16. Write about the narrator of ‘The Telltale Heart’  by Edgar Allan Poe
17. Present a detailed character evaluation of Emily from 'A Rose for Emily.'
18. Present an in-depth character analysis of Huck from 'Huckleberry Finn.'
19. Write a detailed character analysis of Jasmine from ‘Blue Jasmine’  by Woody Allen.
20. Present a detailed character analysis of Oskar Schell from ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’ by Jonathan Safran  Foer.
21. Write about the character of Joskie in ‘French Lessons’ by Ellen Sussman
22. Present a detailed character  analysis of Mr George Knightley of 'Emma' by Jane Austen
23. Write a character evaluation of Bartleby from ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ by Herman Melville
24. Present a detailed character evaluation of William Loman from ‘Death of a Salesman’  by Arthur Miller
25. Present the character evaluation of Blanche from ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’  by Tennessee Williams
26. Write in detail about the character of Jackie from ‘First Confession’ by Frank O’Connor
27. Present a detailed character analysis of Jenny from ‘Forrest Gump’ by Winston Groo
28. Choose any character from the  book ‘The Grandmother in a Good Man is Hard to Find’ to present a detailed character analysis
29. Present a detailed character analysis of Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby
30. Write an in-depth character  analysis of Prospero from the book 'The Tempest.'

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Wrapping Up,

While crafting character analysis essays can give students a difficult time, this comprehensive post could be the answer to it all. With this lucid guide on ‘writing a character analysis paper’, you can nail all your papers like never before. Take the help of this guide, implement the remarkable guidelines, and draw inspiration from examples to sail through your character analysis essay writing task like a champion. Happy Writing, mates!

FAQ Asked By Students:

Q.1. What are the key elements of a character analysis essay?

• Personality, physical appearance, and background of a character
• Conflicts experienced by the character and the ways he/she overcomes them
• Lessons that can be acquired from this character
• Significance of the actions of the character and the things that inspired him/her
• The things the character does, the way he/she treats others, and whether he/she is biased or fair.
• Choice of words of the characters
• Ways the characters explained themselves and how others would explain him/her

Q.2. What are the common types of characters in literature?

• Major
• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Minor
• Dynamic
• Static
• Foils

Q.3. How do I create a thesis statement for a character analysis essay?

The thesis statement of a character analysis essay should explain the points concisely you need to make about the character you presented and the overall conclusion you arrived at. However, remember, it doesn't require hashing out every detail you'll present, but it should offer your reader a certain idea of what your analysis should be about.

Q.4. What is the importance of a character analysis essay in literature?

• The key objective of a character analysis essay is to accumulate an in-depth understanding of the story presented and the interrelationship between different characters.
• It helps in evaluating a character to remarkably comprehend his/her actions and motivations.
• It also provides the readers with an in-depth knowledge of a specific character – how she/her literally is.

Q.5. What are some literary devices I can use in a character analysis essay?

• Theme
• Motif
• Symbolism
• Metaphor
• Simile
• Personification
• Allegory
• Allusion
• Irony
• Alliteration

Q.6. How do I structure a character analysis essay?

• Select a dynamic character.
• Take notes while reading about pertinent childhood facts of the character, record its character and physical traits, and follow the plot's elements.  
• Formulate a thesis statement.
• Draft an outline
• Craft a compelling introduction
• Incorporate body paragraphs
• Wrap up with a strong conclusion

Q.7. How do I analyze a character’s actions and motivations?

• To figure out the motivations of the character, you need to figure out the answers to questions like – What are the crucial reasons for which the characters are acting the way they do? What are the reasons behind their choices? Do they act on impulse, or do they behave ethically?
• To evaluate the actions of the character, you need to figure out answers to questions like – In what ways does the character act? How do their actions impact those around them? Are they kind to prevent wrongdoings? Or are they devilish and troublesome?

Q.8. How do I analyze a character’s relationships with other characters?

To successfully analyze the relationship of a character with other characters, it is crucial to consider the events of the story, the ways the characters had a conversation with each other and the way they behaved towards each other. You also need to state how the characters are distinct, the reasons they need each other, and whether the relationship is a positive or negative one.

Q.9. How do I analyze a character’s physical appearance and mannerisms?

The analysis of a particular character should always start with a physical description, his/her mannerisms and the overall personality of the character. To do this successfully, you need to comprehend the words, actions, thoughts, reactions, feelings, movements, mannerisms and thoughts of the character. Even his/her opinions can enable you to learn more about the individual.

Q.10. What is the significance of a character’s name in literature?

• Name enables authors to develop a connection with their characters. It offers a strong foundation for building up the rest of his/her personality.
• The name of a character provides the first clue to who he/she really is, not only to the author but also to the readers.
• The name of a character helps the readers remember them long after they've stopped reading it.
• Further, names are certain vital tools of the author that he/she can use to create credible characters placed in a literary universe. It provides them with the impression of being genuine.

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