Character AnalysisWrite a character analysis of Abigail Williams with

details from Acts I and II that:Reveal what others think of her, What she does and says, How she sees herself, and What motivates her Analysis should include your commentary on how

Abigail’s character contributes to the crucibles of other characters.

Focus on your introduction, development, style, tone, use of language and syntax, and your conclusion.

Your thesis statement is often the last sentence (or sentences) of your introduction paragraph.

A good thesis informs your reader of what he or she will read in your essay (but should NEVER state, “In this essay you will find…”)

A thesis also takes some sort of stand; in other words, it must involve some sort of opinion.

Thesis Statement

What does a thesis statement do?

makes a specific statement about the topic of your essayprovides a "road map" for those who read your essaygives your analysis of the charactermakes a claim that might be disputedconcludes your introduction paragraphlinks ALL of the information in your essay

Example of a BAD THESISAbigail Williams accused others of witchcraft because she hoped to kill Elizabeth Proctor and marry her husband, John. 

This is a bad thesis: 

It is vague, with no specific details. 

There is not enough in it to inform the reader of how

the essay will describe Abigail’s character. 

Most importantly, there is no opinion involved. 

This is simply a short summary of events in the play.

On top of that, it is written in the past tense, while

literature is always written about in present tense.

Example of a GOOD THESISAbigail Williams, a victim of strict Puritan society and witness to the violent death of her parents, living under the stern leadership of her uncle and hoping for a life with a man who can never truly be hers, all contribute to making her into the vindictive character she becomes.

This thesis is specific:

The essay will obviously discuss these people and events in Abigail’s life and how they formed her character.

This statement can be argued because some readers may differ in opinion as to what made Abigail a revengeful person.

It is written in the present tense.

In your introductory paragraph, introduce your character. Use an interesting quote or incident from the play to describe your character. Make your first sentence an interesting one to engage your reader. You must also include the author and title in this paragraph. (The Crucible, by Arthur Miller.) A good introduction is roughly three-five sentences. The thesis statement is usually at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Introduction

What does an introduction do?gets the attention of your readergives background information on your topic includes the title in italics (The Crucible) and the author: Arthur MillerIncludes your well-developed thesis that guides your reader through your essay

You should have at least three (3) body paragraphs for this essay because it is difficult to convey the various aspects of a character like Abigail Williams in less than three (excluding the introduction and conclusion paragraphs). Remember, every new topic gets a new paragraph. Every sentence in the paragraph must relate back to the topic sentence of that paragraph. If it does not, it doesn’t belong in the paragraph!

Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs:begin with a topic sentenceincludes transitions between paragraphslinks back to thesisincludes at least one direct quote from The Crucible in eachprovides an analysis of each quote usedEVERY sentence in the paragraph links back to the topic sentence; if it doesn't, it doesn't belong in the paragraphends with a concluding sentence that wraps up the topic and provides a transition to the next paragraph (you may include the transition in the topic sentence of the next sentence if you prefer

Use the writing strategy called I.C.E.

I.C.E. stands for:

I = IntroduceC = Cite (To quote or refer to)

E = Explain

WHY ARE WE “I.C.E.ING” THINGS OVER?

The academic world requires your writing to

contain evidence that supports main ideas

that appear in topic sentences.

Whether it’s in the form of discussion question

answers, body paragraphs in essays, journals,

short answers, etc., you are expected to

support your answers, claims, and opinions.

WHY ARE WE “I.C.E.ING” THINGS OVER?

Responsible writers make sure to ________, ____, and _______ quotes and paraphrased material that they use as evidence.

By using this formula, you will be able to CITE SOURCES LIKE A “BOSS!”

IntroduceCite Explai

n

PlagiarismPlagiarism is taking someone else’s words

and/or ideas and not giving them credit. When you quote OR paraphrase ANYthing

someone else wrote, you MUST give them credit.

When Do I Use a Direct Quote?• If the information is important (vital,

unique, special) and well-phrased• If you can’t say it any better• REMEMBER

Use Direct Quotes sparingly.Use the exact words of the source.Use quotation marks.Give credit!

How Do I Use it?Copy the following in your notes, beginning of your journals, top of your tests, etc…

I = IntroduceC = Cite – (To quote or refer to)E = Explain

To Introduce…Don’t just throw a quote into your paragraph. Introduce it.

The quotation should flow into your writing naturally.

To Explain…You MUST explain to your reader how the

quote supports your position on the topic. Why does your quote prove you are right?

ConclusionGo out, not with a whimper, but with a bang! As the last part of your essay, your conclusion is very important. Wrap your ideas together and leave your reader with something to think about. A good conclusion paragraph should be roughly three to five sentences.Your conclusion must include the following:a restatement of your thesis (not in the same words!)a synthesis of your main ideas (don't simply list them as a summary, explain how all the points you made in the essay come together to support your thesis)a "clincher sentence," or thought-provoking sentence with which to end the essay

Your conclusion should NOT include the following:the statement, "In conclusion....“new ideas about your topic not discussed elsewhere in the essay

14 point, Calibri fontdouble spacedbecause this is a single source essay (using only one book

for quotes), you do not need to include the author's name in parentheses after your paraphrased material or quotes, simply place the page number in parentheses

EX: However, when the parents leave the room, her saintly behavior disappears, and Abigail ruthlessly threatens the other girls by saying, "Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning” (20).

as a single source essay, you do not need to include a works cited page

MLA Guidelines for this essay: