Step-by-Step Guide to Literary Analysis
By Dr Joy
Worksheet D: Character Analysis
Reminder: Always cite the source when quoting words directly from a work, like this: “Quoted words” (Last Name page).
D1: Character’s Name and Background
Answer these questions:
- What name is given to this character? Does this name carry any meaning?
- Does the name relate to the character’s physical image or/and character image—see D2 below?
- What does this character do for a living in the story? What is his/her professional role? Explain with 2 or more key details from the story.
- What is this character’s social status in the story? Explain with 2 or key details from the story.
D2: Photo or Physical Image Analysis
Answer these questions:
- Does the author give this main character a photo image? If yes, what word or phrase (e.g., handsome, evil-looking, plain) would best describe such an image?
- Why do you think so? Quote some descriptive words from the story for the photo image and cite the source.
- If no photo image is given to this main character, why not? Is there any possible reason or meaning for the author to choose not to give the character a photo image? Give your insightful understanding with supporting details from the work.
D3: Moral or Character Image Analysis
Answer these questions:
- What kind of person is this main character?
- What word or phrase (e.g., stubborn, overly cautious, kind and generous) would you use to capture this person’s dominant character trait or traits?
- Why do you think so? Support your analysis point with 2 or more key details from the story.
D4: Thematic Role and Theme Contribution
Note:
‘Thematic role,’ also called ‘literary role’ and ‘symbolic role,’ differs from ‘professional role’ in that ‘thematic role’ may not be job-related and it deals with a character’s function in the story. For example, a character may symbolically function as the ‘window to the truth’ while professionally working as a driver in the story.
Do and ponder these:
1. State (again) the main theme and related sub-themes in the work.
2. What is this character's thematic role in the story? What main function or functions does the character serve? Explain with 2 or more key details from the work.
3. Does the character’s name relate to the theme(s) in any way? Does the name carry any representative meaning? Support your analysis with 2 or more key details from the work.