This is a step-by-step presentation of how to write a simple character analysis essay. The prompt focuses on "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara, but it can be modified for any character analysis essay.

1. Character Analysis Essay
for Middle School

2. Prompt:
• After reading Raymond’s Run” byToni Cade
Bambara, write a five-paragraph essay
analyzing the main character. Discuss at least
three of the character’s overall traits in the
body of your essay.

3. Introduction
• Begin with an opening sentence stating the title,
author and a brief summary of the text including
details about the plot, setting and characters.
• Put the title in quotation marks.
The short story “…………” by ……. is about
….

4. Introduction
Write a thesis statement
stating three character traits
you will focus on in your essay.

5. Body Paragraph One
• Indent the first line of your paragraph.
• Write a topic sentence that states the first
character trait you stated in your thesis.

6. Body Paragraph One
• Include a quote or paraphrase a passage of the story that provides
evidence to support your topic sentence.
• Introduce the quote by stating who says it followed by a verb and a
comma.
• Put quotation marks around the quote.
• Include the page number in parenthesis followed by the end mark.
• For example …….. states, “……………………….“ (page number goes
here).

7. Body Paragraph One
• Analyze the quote by explaining in your own
words how the quote proves the topic sentence.
• Write at least three sentences analyzing the
quote.
• This shows how ……... is ………. because ……..

8. Body ParagraphTwo
• Indent the first line of your paragraph.
• Write As the story continues we also
learn that …… is ……...

9. Body ParagraphTwo
• Include a quote or paraphrase a passage of the story that provides
evidence to support your topic sentence.
• Introduce the quote by stating who says it followed by a verb and a
comma.
• Put quotation marks around the quote.
• Include the page number in parenthesis followed by the end mark.
• Write For example …….. states, “……………………….“ (page number goes
here).

10. Body ParagraphTwo
• Analyze the quote by explaining in your own words
how the quote proves the topic sentence.
• Write at least three sentences analyzing the quote.
• WriteThis shows how ……... is ………. because ……..

11. Body Paragraph 3
• Indent the first line of your paragraph.
• Write a topic sentence that states the third point of your
thesis.
• Write Finally we see that … is …

12. Body Paragraph 3
• Include a quote or paraphrase a passage of the story that provides
evidence to support your topic sentence.
• Introduce the quote by stating who says it followed by a verb and a
comma.
• Put quotation marks around the quote.
• Include the page number in parenthesis followed by the end mark.
• Write For example …….. states, “……………………….“ (page number
goes here).

13. Body ParagraphThree
• Analyze the quote by explaining in your own words
how the quote proves the topic sentence.
• Write at least three sentences analyzing the quote.
• WriteThis shows how ……... is ………. because ……..

14. Conclusion
Rewrite your thesis statement stating the three
character traits you focused on in your essay.

15. Conclusion
Write four sentences stating your final thoughts.
You might write about how you can relate to the
character, what you would do in her/his situation or
how he/she reminds you of someone you know.