Independent Novel Study – Character Sketch Assignment
Task:
Choose a character from the novel who you feel you know enough about to write a detailed character
sketch/description. If you had to describe this character in one sentence (thesis), how would you do so?
When you decide on a statement, find proof in the text to prove it. In this assignment you will be forming
your own opinions, but also finding textual evidence to support your ideas.
Criteria:
Must be between about 500 words, at least 5 paragraphs in length
Must include a cover page with a catchy title, your name, the course, the teacher’s name, and the date
Must be written as a formal assignment in third person voice (no use of “I”, “we”, “me” or “you”)
Must include an introductory paragraph that states the purpose of your paper (the character’s role in the
story and your basic opinion of him)
Must include body paragraphs that follow proper paragraph structure (topic sentence, details to support
the topic, and a concluding sentence/PPE method)
Must include a concluding paragraph that restates your main point and sums up your ideas – should leave
the reader with a lasting thought
Sentence fluency, use of transitions, mechanics, spelling and grammar will be important, so make sure to
revise and edit your work before handing in a polished copy
Should be typed and double-spaced
Should include the following information about the character:
o Name, approximate age, role in the story
o Physical attributes; description
o How s/he acts; attitude towards others
o Personality traits; characteristics
o How the character thinks
o Others reactions to the character
o The character’s main motivation/goals
o Proof from the story (quotes from the novel) to support your opinions
Essay Outline
I. Introduction
Thesis:
Due date:
Monday, April 23rd
Pre-writing:
Brainstorm information about your character for the above categories
(use information from the character worksheet to assist you)
Find sections/quotes from the novel that support your ideas.
II. (Topic/Argument 1)
A. Idea/Proof
B. Idea/Proof
C. Idea/Proof
III. (Topic/Argument 2)
A. Idea/Proof
B. Idea/Proof
C. Idea/Proof
IV. (Topic/ Argument 3)
A. Idea/Proof
B. Idea/Proof
C. Idea/Proof
V. Conclusion
Restated Thesis:
Proper Essay Structure
The introduction introduces the character and provides background information
about the character. The last sentence of this paragraph should state your thesis – what it
is you are trying to prove about the character.
The body paragraphs (at least 3) – In each of the three paragraphs, talk about one
main trait or aspect of the character that supports the main idea of your essay (the thesis),
then try to prove it using examples/quotes from the story. WRITE YOUR BODY
PARAGRAPHS USING PPE METHOD. Make sure to support your opinions with proof from
the story. Put quotations marks around direct quotes (taken word for word from the
story), and for all information, make sure to cite the page number where the information
came from (this should be in brackets just outside the information taken from the book).
The conclusion sums up your ideas and states your thesis in a different way, to
remind yourCharacter
reader ofSketch
the point
you are trying to make. This paragraph should leave your
Assessment
reader with a lasting impression.
Assessment Rubric for Character Sketch Assignment
Criteria
Pre-Writing/Planning (3)
effective use of class time given for pre-writing
submitted/discussed a paper outline with teacher
used pre-writing to help develop a well-written essay
Meeting requirements
character sketch is typed or neatly printed and double-spaced
adheres to MLA format (name, page numbers, margins, font size)
includes a properly formatted cover page
all paragraphs are indented
Introduction
has an opening sentence that draws the reader in
character is accurately introduced, including his role in the story
intro is intriguing/interesting
a thesis statement is declared (an opinion about the character)
PPE Paragraph Method
each paragraph introduces a topic/argument
supported with ideas and proof from the story
at least 3 clear arguments are made and supported
use of concluding sentences (follows Point-Proof-Explanation method)
Content (16)
Character’s name, approximate age, physical description, role in the story
What the character says, does, thinks and acts, main motivations (the proof of character traits)
Others reactions to the character (the proof)
Personality/character traits
Conclusion
sums up main points
restates the thesis
does not introduce new information
leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the character
Sentence Fluency and Organization
paper has an overall flow created from using sentences of varying lengths, structures and beginnings
paragraphs are linked with effective use of transitions
sentences are linked with effective use of transitions
the essay is organized for optimal impact
Mechanics (can only give full marks if there are no errors)
Spelling
Punctuation
Grammar/capitalization
Sentence errors (fragments/run-ons/comma splices)
Evidence
information about the character is supported examples from the text
quotations are used in each paragraph to strengthen the argument (at least 3 direct quotes)
ideas and opinions clearly connect to the story
proper in-text citations
Overall Effect (3)
the character sketch makes the reader think about the character
it is interesting to read
represents the student’s best work
Total /50
Mark