When dealing with a novel, film or play, you will often be asked to analyse
or examine a certain character and their behaviour, relationship with others.
In other words, a characterization is a written portrait of a person from a
book that aims at drawing a complete picture of how this person is,
behaves, acts, looks and thinks.
o Collect any relevant information given in the text about the character.
o personal data (name, age, gender) and appearance
o what the character says/does/thinks (main traits, behaviour,
mood, views, language)
o what others say (or the narrator says) about him/her
o Find out how the character is revealed in the text.
o what is his/her attitude towards others?
o do these characteristics or the reader’s view of him/her change?
o draw conclusion & use evidence from the text (quotes and lines)
Introduction
Briefly present the character: basic personal data and outward appearance.
o Say what his/her function/role in the story is and how he/she relates to the other characters.
Body
o Describe the character’s traits, behaviour and development, providing details from your notes.
o Use examples and quotes to support your statements.
Conclusion
o Sum up the most important traits.
o Don‘t forget to come to a conclusion.
o Don‘t forget to use quotes from the text to explain your ideas!
o Don‘t forget to include line numbers with your quotes!
