1. Student Model- Writing a Character Analysis
The Character of James in “The Scribe”
The main character in the short story “The Scribe,” written by Kristin
Hunter, is a thirteen-year-old boy named James. This strong character tries to
change a big problem in his neighborhood. The problem involves the Silver Dollar
Check Cashing Service. He feels that it is unfair for the owners to take money
from people who can’t fill out information on forms because they can’t read. He is
determined to change this, but a couple of things get in his way. James helps many
people because of his outstanding traits, such as being observant, creative, and
caring.
James is a very observant young boy. When he goes to the Check Cashing
Service, he begins to notice things that he knows he could do because he can read
and write, but that others could not. James also observes that the customers of
the Silver Dollar are not treated well. It seems to James that they are looked
down on because of their disadvantage. So James goes home to explain everything
to his mother. His mother tells him that at one time many people couldn’t read or
write, only the scribes. She explains that the scribes were a special class of
people.
Throughout the story, James is a creative young boy. After his mother tells
him about the scribes, he decides to become one. He sets up a stand right outside
the Check Cashing Service. People begin to line up, and he helps all the people at no
charge. People are very happy that he is there doing this for them. Then a police
officer comes and tells James to go because he is taking over the Cashing Service.
Comment [l1]: When writing your essay, be sure
to underline or italicize the title. Short stories are in
quotes; novels are not.
Comment [l2]: Begin by telling your readers
which story you have selected as well as the name
of the author.
Comment [l3]: Introduce the character you are
analyzing early on. Also, let your readers know
where the story takes place.
Comment [l4]: Remember that not everyone has
read the story. In a FEW sentences, summarize the
story so that your readers will understand your
analysis. Be sure to inform your readers of the
story’s conflict
Comment [l5]: State your thesis clearly. Let your
readers know which traits you will discuss and how
they relate to what happens in the story.
Comment [l6]: Introduce the first character trait.
You may present traits in order of importance or in
chronological order.
Comment [l7]: Use specific examples of the
characters thoughts and actions to support his or
her character traits.
Comment [l8]: Present the second character
trait. You may state it directly or present it through
an example.
Comment [l9]: Give an example of an action that
shows how a character feels or what a character
might be thinking.

2. James is also very creative when he considers applying for a license to become a
scribe. Most kids his age wouldn’t even think about applying to be a scribe.
James is also very caring in this story. With the law getting in his way, he
searches for a better way to help these people. Then his parents tell him that if
people put their money in the bank, the bank would cash all of their checks for
free, but that many older people don’t trust banks. But James is determined! He
goes outside near the Check Cashing Service and starts to tell people, “I know
where you can cash checks free.” Everybody wonders where, so he takes some of
them to the bank. Some of the people don’t like the idea of the bank, but some do.
He doesn’t convince all of them, but he helps all of the people by guiding the way to
the bank. That takes a lot of courage! The fact that James doesn’t give up on the
people is very caring. It is considerate, and that shows a lot about his overall
character.
All those traits—being observant, creative, and caring—describe James.
After noticing the problem and helping the people by telling them about the bank,
James thinks that maybe he should apply for a license to become a scribe. James
helps many people throughout this story.
by Heather C. of Chipman Junior High School in Bakersfield,
California
Adapted from Holt, Rinehart and Winston as an educational example.
Comment [l10]: Present the last character trait.
If you are arranging traits in chronological order, the
last trait may show how the character has changed
by the end of the story.
Comment [l11]: Pull evidence from the
character’s own words. Often a person’s words
convey important messages about his or her
personality.
Comment [l12]: Show how actions reveal
character traits. An action doesn’t have to be
dramatic to tell a lot about a character. Sometimes
the actions may be very subtle.
Comment [l13]: Sum up the character traits you
have analyzed, and restate the thesis in different
words.