Character analysis

English

Definition

The process of examining a character's traits, motivations, relationships, and development throughout a literary work. A strong character analysis uses textual evidence such as dialogue, actions, and descriptions to support conclusions about who the character is and why they matter to the story.

How It Works

  1. Identify the character's key traits based on their words, actions, and thoughts.
  2. Examine how other characters react to and describe them.
  3. Track how the character changes from the beginning to the end of the story.
  4. Analyze the character's motivations and internal conflicts.
  5. Use specific quotes and scenes as evidence to support your analysis.

Examples

  • Analyzing how Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird matures in her understanding of justice
  • Examining Jay Gatsby's obsession with the past as revealed through his actions and Carraway's narration
  • Studying how Lady Macbeth's guilt transforms her from ambitious schemer to broken figure

Related Terms

Characterization Character growth Character types Motivation and backstory

Study This Concept

Practice character analysis with free review games in these units:

AP English Literature and Composition Unit 2: Prose Fiction Analysis