Literary Analysis of Characters

Introduction	Students will understand the components of a good character, as well as learn how to analyze the traits of a character.
Information	Students will visit the website: http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/mhs/studyskills/CompGuide/LitAnaChar.htm to learn about character analysis. There are many different types of characters – some simple, some complex. Characters should have a certain “Lifelikeness” whereby the reader can relate to the characters. When analyzing a character, need to ask questions of how the character relates to others in the story, as well as how well the reader can relate to the character.
Activity	Students will fill in a Character Analysis Graphic Organizer (http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/graphicorg/pdfs/charactertraits.pdf) for two of the characters from the book, “Caddie Woodlawn.”
Questions	1) What types of personalities do these characters have? 2) How “lifelike” are the characters to you? 3) Are you able to relate to the characters?
Extension	Students will compare the two characters using a Comparing Characters Graphic Organizer (http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/graphicorg/pdfs/charactercompare1.pdf)