How to Write a Character Analysis
A strong character analysis will:
1. identify the type of character it is dealing with. (A single character could be two
or three type. Different kinds of characters are listed below.)
2. describe the character.
3. discuss the conflict in the story, particularly in regards to the character’s place in
it.
There are different kinds of characters.
Characters can be:
protagonist (heroes), The main character around whom mo st of the work
revolves.
antagonists, The person who the protagonist is against. This is often the villain,
but could be a force of nature, set of circumstances, an animal, etc.
major, These are the main characters. They dominate the story. Often there are
only one or two major characters.
minor, These are the characters who help tell the major character’s tale by letting
major characters interact and reveal their personalities, situations, stories. They
are usually static (unchanging).
stereotypical (stock), This is the absent-minded professor, the jolly fat person, the
clueless blonde.
foils, These are the people who job is to contrast with the major character. This
can happen in two ways. One: The foil can be the opposite of the major
character, so the major’s virtues and strengths are that much “brighter” in
reflection. Two: The foil can be someone like the major character, with lighter
versions of the major’s virtues and strengths so that the major comes off as even
stronger.
Describing a Character
Consider the character’s name and appearance.
Is the author taking advantage of stereotypes? The hot-tempered redhead, the
boring brunette, the playboy fraternity
Is the author going against stereotypes? The brilliant blonde, the socially adept
professor
Is their name significant?
Are there any unusual visual attributes?
