Tips on How to Analyze Characters

Many basic skills exist that can be learned in English class, one of which could be writing character analysis essays. Since most books feature multiple major characters, it’s necessary to comprehend how each one interrelates. Plus, There’re various character types, each with their own unique personality traits. If you’re writing a character analysis essay, it’s crucial to trace the character’s development throughout the story. If you need help with how to analyze characters, we can guide you through three simple steps to teach you everything you need.

Determine the Character Type

To begin your character analysis, first, you should determine whether you’re working with a dynamic or static character. This can quickly be done if you’ve read the book. A static character remains relatively unchanged throughout the work, whereas a dynamic character undergoes significant changes as the story progresses. Although analyzing static characters can be simpler, they can still possess subtleties worth exploring.

Identify the Character’s Role in the Plot

Identify the character’s primary function in the story, such as whether they’re protagonist or antagonist. For instance, in a medieval knight story, the protagonist may be the heroic knight in shining Armor who saves the day. At the same time, the antagonist could be a villainous character opposing the protagonist’s goals. Minor characters tend to intrigue readers, so you can also analyze them, but it’s crucial to note their primary role at the top of the page to ensure you understand how they fit into the overall plot.

Understand the Character’s Significant Actions

Assuming you’ve read the story, you likely have a general sense of the character’s actions throughout the narrative. While listing every action is unnecessary, recognizing the main events is crucial. Understand and analyze these actions for deeper analysis.

Examine the Character’s Development

The change is expected for round, dynamic characters as the story unfolds, even in shorter works. Start by examining the character’s significant actions, which often drive personality shifts. Then, connect the character’s traits you’ve identified to these actions. While this whole process may seem overwhelming, you may already have many answers, including the answer to your very first question – what is character analysis?