How to Write an Essay

Character Development

Response to Literature

Select one of the main characters from the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Look back at the novel, reflect on how the character behaved in the beginning, middle, and end of the novel. Complete the characterization worksheet. Focus your essay on discussing the role of the character, his/her personality traits, and how they developed in the story. In other words, write a four-paragraph response to literature telling us about this character. Responses must be typed, size twelve, Times New Roman font, double-spacing, include completed worksheet, and follow the provided outline.

Characterization: portrayal or description of a character in a piece of fiction

Response to Literature Rubric

STANDARDS PTS Score

Content Clearly identifies the work being addressed by title, author, and genre 5

Content Includes a clear focus/thesis statement (identifies character traits and why they are important and/or interesting) 5

Content Includes topic and concluding sentences in each paragraph 5

Content Includes relevant and effective examples and quotes (more than one) from the text to support response 10

Content Essay response expresses understanding of the characterization and how it develops in a story 10

Structure Includes completed characterization worksheet, reference page, and follows the provided outline 5

Conventions Punctuation, capitalization, grammar, spelling, correct format, and other conventions are correct 5

WHERE DO I START?

Complete Outline for Character Sketch

First Paragraph:

a. Identify the text you are analyzing by title

b. Identify the author of the text

c. Identify the genre of the text

d. Identify your character by name and position/role in novel

e. Thesis Statement

(In one concise sentence answer the following question: How does this character change from the beginning to the end of the novel?)

Second Paragraph:

a. Who is this character? What is his or her role in the novel?

(Provide a brief summary of their role or actions in the novel.)

a. Describe three of the character’s main traits.

(Give at least two quotes from the text to support this description. Be sure to support your claims!)

Third Paragraph:

b. How does the character develop as the novel progresses? What does the character learn from his/her experiences?

(Give at least two more quotes from the text to support this description. Be sure to support your claims!)

Fourth Paragraph:

a. Restate