STEPS
Step 1
Choose which character you want to describe.
Step 2
Reflect on and re-read sections of the text (or watch the film) which feature that character.
Step 3
Gather a 'body of evidence' that indicates the character trait. This might mean direct quotes by the character or by another character referring to your chosen character or by the author themselves.
Step 4
Make a list of character traits for your chosen character by analysing the evidence you have found.
Step 5
Formulate sentences to describe your character. Make sure you use explanations to support your ideas. Include quotes from the text as evidence.
Step 6
Check your writing with your teacher.
EXAMPLE from
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
STEP 5Egeus is a sycophant and a law abiding citizen of Athens. He is possessive over his daughter and naturally suspicious of Lysander's intentions towards her. As a superstitious man, he believes that Lysander has pretended to be in love with Hermia and has "bewitched the bosom of [his] child" in order to win her affection. Ultimately, he wants what is due to him and expects that the Duke will support his request to force her to marry Demetrius or have her put to death as a result of her disobedience.
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STEP 1I will choose Egeus in A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare. I chose him because he has extreme views which I think will be interesting to explain.
STEP 2I will re-read Act 1 Scene 1 of the play which is where we first meet Egeus.
STEP 31) Happy be Theseus, our renownèd duke. AND With duty and desire we follow you.
2) Full of vexation come I 3) This man hath bewitched the bosom of my child. 4) With feigning voice verses of feigning love, 5) I beg the ancient privilege of Athens. AND according to our law 6) As she is mine, I may dispose of her—........ Which shall be either to this gentleman Or to her death STEP 41) shows that Egeus is a sycophant because he is being overly nice to the Duke.
2) shows he is prone to anger 3) shows that he is someone who believes in superstition 4) indicates that he is suspicious of Lysander 5) allows us to see that he is a law abiding man 6) believes that he owns his daughter and wants to be seen to be doing the right thing |