Alexander Myers
English, Pre-College & College
alexander.myers@swissinternationalschool.ch
Character Analysis Essay
1 — Task
Your assignment is to write a character analysis of a major character in the novel Ender's Game. Once you
have chosen a character to analyse, choose three adjectives that describe that character. Use the char-
acter log handout to summarise the character traits and to collect quotes. These adjectives, or character
traits, as well as your quotes, will be the basis of your five-paragraph essay.
2 — Use the PIE Essay Structure:
Remember that when you make a point, you need to support it with a quotation and then
explain exactly how the quotation highlights what you want to show. This is also known as the
PIE essay structure (Point — Illustration — Explanation) and can be used for any type of essay:
Introduction
(1 paragraph)
A
B
C
Attention Grabber.
Link Attention Grabber to Essay Topic, character and novel.
Thesis Statement about your character. Remember to use three adjectives.
Body 1
(1 paragraph)
P
I
E
Topic Sentence about first adjective / character trait.
Quote used to illustrate point / argument
Explanation & Analysis (reinforces topic sentence, thesis statement)
Body 2
(1 paragraph)
P
I
E
Topic Sentence about second adjective / character trait.
Quote used to illustrate point / argument
Explanation & Analysis (reinforces topic sentence, thesis statement)
Body 3
(1 paragraph)
P
I
E
Topic Sentence about third adjective / character trait.
Quote used to illustrate point / argument
Explanation & Analysis (reinforces topic sentence, thesis statement)
Conclusion
(1 paragraph)
A
B
C
Summary of central arguments and observations about the character.
Final argument(s) & observations about the character.
Thought-provoking final statement.
3 — Your Thesis Statement:
A thesis statement is a sentence or two that tells the reader what the rest of the essay is about.
Good thesis statements do not simply announce a topic; they say something about the topic,
and they provide the framework for your paper. Never start a thesis with, “In this paper I will
discuss…”.
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of
the paper. It summarizes the conclusion that the writer has reached about the topic.
