Character Analysis: “The Necklace”
1. Look up the definitions of any unfamiliar words, then re-read and re-annotate “The Necklace”.
2. What is the conflict in this story? Find a quotation that supports your answer.
Conflict
Description
Quotation Support
3.
Diagram the action using Freytag’s pyramid.
4.
Identify the protagonist and the antagonist. Defend your answer with an explanation.
5.
List all of the characters in “The Necklace” and identify them as stock, foil, round, flat, static, or
dynamic. You may have more than one label for each character. Justify your choices.
6.
Using the chart below, characterize the protagonist. For each character quality, include a
partial quotation from the story and its page number. In every box, you should have at least
two good entries, not counting my examples. You’ll need more room…make your own chart like
this one!
Explicit Statements &
Inferences
Character’s Thoughts &
Inferences
Appearances &
Inferences
Character’s Actions &
Mannerisms
Character’s Speech and
Words
Mathilde possessed “no
clothes, no jewels,
nothing” (82): she’s not
rich.
After the ball she is
looking to “see herself
in all her glory before
the mirror (83): she is
vain.
“yes, I’ve had some
hard times…and all on
your account” to Mme.
Forestier (85): she is
still prideful.
Setting Revealing
Character
Reactions of Others to
Character
Other