Step-by-Step Guide to Literary Analysis

 By Dr. Joy

​Worksheet E:  Relationship Analysis

Reminder: Always cite the source when quoting words directly from a work, like this: “Quoted words” (Last Name page).

E1:  Physical Relationships
1.   In the story, does this main character have any physical or blood relations with other characters? If yes, with whom and how are they related?

• Relationship with __________________________as ______________________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Relationship with __________________________as ______________________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Relationship with __________________________as ______________________________.
• Key supporting details:

E2:  Emotional Relationships
2.  In the story, how does this main character feel about other main characters? What words (e.g., doting, respectful, love-hate, disgusted) would best capture this character’s feelings and opinions?

• Words____________________ for the character's feeling toward ___________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Words____________________ for the character's feeling toward ___________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Words____________________ for the character's feeling toward ___________________.
• Key supporting details:

E3:  Social Status
3.  How is this main character regarded by other main characters and by the whole community in the story? What words would best capture this character’s social and political status?

• Regarded by _______________________________ as ____________________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Regarded by _______________________________ as ____________________________.
• Key supporting details:
• Regarded by the whole community_____________________ as ____________________________.
• Key supporting details:

E4:  Key Relationships for Theme and Sub-theme(s)
What are the top 2-3 key relationships this main character has in the story?  How and in what concrete ways do these key relationships relate to and contribute to the theme and sub-themes of the story?
1.  Key relationship with __________________________as____________________________________.

• Its relevance and contribution to this theme or sub-theme: _________________________________________.
• Key supporting details:

2.  Key relationship with __________________________as____________________________________.

• Its relevance and contribution to this theme or sub-theme: __________________________________________.
• Key supporting details:

3.  Key relationship with __________________________as____________________________________.

• Its relevance and contribution to this theme or sub-theme: __________________________________________.
• Key supporting details:

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