I attached the short story that you will read.

Assignment 1: Character Function

Overview/Purpose of Assignment

In works of literature, a character’s presence, grand and important or appearing brief and insignificant, can have an effect on the text and reader. Choose a piece of short fiction that we have discussed so far in class and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters. Avoid plot summary.

*If you want to choose another piece of short fiction or piece of literature with literary merit, please discuss it with me.

Think about characterization when writing your essay: character development, motivation, identifying the most important character, considering the characters’ personalities and values, and consider how the story’s action grows out of its central character.

Remember, this is a literary analysis.

• An arguable thesis
• Careful attention to the language of the text
• Attention to patterns or themes
• A clear interpretation
• MLA style

Research Requirements

There is no research required for this essay. The only required source is the one piece of literature you will be citing. However, if you choose to site multiple works or compare/contrast two characters from separate works, they must go on your Work Cited page. If you also choose to further research on the character or the story to further support your claim, feel free, but again it is not required.

Documentation

MLA Format. This includes 1-inch margins, font size 12 Times New Roman (or a font similar), and double-spaced. A Works Cited page is required since you will be providing evidence from a piece of literature, which is a source.

Due Dates & Length

Final draft due 9/18 on Blackboard. 650 words FIRM.