A character analysis is a close examination and evaluation of one character from a work of fiction such as a novel, short story, or play.
The only direct description of most characters in fiction is of their physical appearance and/or their professions. Their identities and traits are established through their interactions with other characters as well as their opinions, reactions, and moods. For instance, while introducing Katniss (from The Hunger Games), the author did not bluntly state that she is courageous. Rather, this was demonstrated through several scenes in the book, such as when she volunteered to take her sister’s place at the Reaping.
In a character analysis, the writer’s job is to pick up on such hints and subtle clues in the story to reveal a clear image of the subject character. The writer can also evaluate the character, critiquing their development and the role they played in the plot.
Developing a Character Analysis
In order to write a character analysis, the first task is to choose the subject, if not already determined in the assignment question. It is easier to pick if the writer is already familiar with the text in which the character exists. Recognizing the types of characters also helps during the selection.
Once the subject character has been decided upon, the text ought to be critically read, with special attention being paid to the character. As mentioned earlier, much of their personality and qualities are hinted at and indicated indirectly through their actions and thoughts, and not openly stated. Thus, the re-reading should be done with the aim of picking up on these clues.
Oftentimes, the character’s backstory is also not included in the text but can be discerned from their behavior and characteristics. It, too, should be pieced together during the analysis, as it has a bearing on the character’s actions and lets readers better understand their motivations.
A record of the character’s involvement in each element of the plot, how this involvement affected other characters, and the eventual direction and outcome of the story should also be kept. Their own personal changes/growth/development should also be tracked.
Types of Characters
Most characters fall within one or more of a few well-established categories.
- Major vs. Minor: To begin with, there are major and minor characters. A character falls into one of the two depending on the degree of their involvement in the plot and/or the significance of their contribution to it. Major characters are present through most of the story, and their actions have a substantial impact. Minor characters, on the other hand, pop up momentarily and function more as devices to move the story along or add color to a scene. Their involvement may or may not have a significant impact.
- Protagonists and Antagonists: If the character is a major one, establishing whether they are the protagonist is also important. While a story can have multiple major characters, only one of them can be the protagonist. This is the character around whom the plot revolves. It is their story.
On the other end of the spectrum is the antagonist. This is the character who stands in the way of the protagonist achieving what they want and/or thwarts them in other ways. In some stories, however, the antagonist does not have to be a person, and can be quite abstract. In such cases, the antagonist cannot be the subject of a character analysis.
Besides these classifications, characters can fall into a few more categories based on how the author has characterized (portrayed) them:
- Round: Round characters are rich and complex. They display a wide variation of emotions and behaviors, and are generally quite well received by most readers. They grow and develop in response to other characters and the events that take place in the story.
- Flat: Flat characters are also called unidimensional. They are uncomplicated with very little depth, and either don’t change or barely change over the course of the plot. They often come across as unrealistic and unconvincing because of this lack.
- Stereotypical: These are characters that fit neatly into well-established stereotypes – for instance, the absent-minded professor or the jaded detective. They are easily recognized by readers and can be flat and boring. However, if utilized well, they can be entertaining and add to the plot.
Choosing rounder characters provides much in the way of exploration and analysis.
Outline of a Character Analysis Essay
- Introduction: The text and the character are briefly introduced. The thesis statement informs readers of the thrust and goal of the essay. It includes a claim about or evaluation of the character that will be borne out by the rest of the essay.
- Body: The character is delved into in greater detail here. The analysis is laid out where their traits, appearance, backstory, and role are examined in detail. The character’s growth – or lack of it – are highlighted here as well. An outline drawn up during the prewriting process helps in organizing this section in a coherent manner that holds up the claims in the thesis statement.
- Conclusion: The essay is concluded with a final assessment of the character that confirms the validity of the thesis.
