The Crucible – Character Analysis

Due Date:______

You will now use your collected TOADS/Interpretation Charts and Interpretive Statement Handouts to begin writing a Character Analysis. You will analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how the characters are introduced and developed. You will use evidence from the play to support your analysis of that text.

In writing your Character Analysis, you must include information on STATIC vs. DYNAMIC characters and THEME. You must analyze how a specific character helps Arthur Miller convey a specific THEME in The Crucible.

As we read the play, we identified and discussed multiple themes. Brainstorm THEMES for The Crucible.

-Review your TOADS /Interpretation Charts and Interpretive Statements in light of the themes we have just brainstormed. You need to draw connections and tie things together into a CLAIM about characterization and theme.

Your Character Analysis should include the following:

*Introduction

Include a precise claim that states how the development of a specific character in The Crucible helps to convey a specific theme. Be sure to include Arthur Miller’s name and the title of the play in your introduction. Be sure to name a specific character and a specific theme in your claim, and whether that character is static or dynamic. Your claim will act as your thesis statement; everything else should support that thesis.

*Body of Analysis (MINIMUM 4 body paragraphs)

Develop your claim by supplying the most relevant evidence. You should include at least four of the completed interpretive statements we have worked on these past few weeks. You must embed all quotations and use correct MLA citations. You may refer to your TOADS/Interpretation Charts, your Interpretative Statements Handouts and the actual text of the play.

*Summary of the play

Assume that your reader has NEVER heard of The Crucible before and will NEVER read ANYTHING about the play except for YOUR character analysis. Provide a summary of what happens in the play leading up to the quote and a summary of what happens in the play following your quote. You MUST have an adequate summary of the play to make your paper complete.

*Transitions

Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between your claim and your evidence.

*Conventions

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to standard norms and conventions. This means you must proofread, edit and revise for standard conventions (mechanics, usage and grammar), remove personal pronouns and pronoun phrases (I think, You can see, etc.) and slang terms. Check for correct spelling, check for complete sentences, correct punctuation, correct quotation integration, correct MLA citations of evidence, and check for clarity and meaning.

*Conclusion (1-2 sentences)

Include a concluding statement that follows from and supports the argument presented.

*Additional Requirements

Your Character Analysis must follow correct MLA formatting (size 12 font, double spaced, with a proper intro and heading).

RUBRIC FOR CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Name______Period______

12-9 Points / 8-6 Points / 5-3 Points / 2-1 Points
MLA Formatting
Size 12 font
Times New Roman
Double Spaced
Proper Header / All four elements are present / Three of four are present / Two of four are present / Only one of four are present
/12
8-6 Points / 5-3 Points / 2-1 Points / Your Points
Introduction
Author’s name and title of the work / Author’s name and title of work are mentioned / Author’s name and title of work are not mentioned / /5
Claim
Answers the SO WHAT – Is arguable – Names specific character and specific theme / Excellent Claim / Sufficient Claim / Weak Claim / /8
Static vs Dynamic
Character is identified as either static or dynamic AND is stated in introduction and conclusion / Claim is introduced and excellently supported in body; claim is reiterated in conclusion / Claim is introduced but is incorrect, not sufficiently supported, or not mentioned in the conclusion / Claim is not introduced or supported / /8
Evidence
Significant content and development, including adequate summary of the text / Significant content and development
Concise and informative summary of the text / Sufficient content and development
Adequate summary of the text; may not be complete / Weak content and development
Little to no summary of the text / 4X______=_____/32
Evidence
Quotation is smoothly embedded into text / Quotation is artfully embedded / Quotation is embedded / Quotation is not embedded / 4X______=_____/32
Evidence
Quotation is correctly cited (using MLA) / Citation is correct / Citation is attempted / Citation is not attempted / 4X______=_____/32
Transitions / Smooth Transitions / Transitions / No transitions / /8
Conventions
Standard mechanics, usage and grammar / Correct Conventions / Mostly correct conventions / Problems with conventions / /8
Conclusion
Concluding statement / Concluding Statement is present / Concluding Statement is not present / /5
TOTAL POINTS / /150