Othello

Grade Levels

Excerpt

Othello Character Analysis

• For this assignment, you will write a 750-900 word essay (about 4 pages double-spaced) analyzing one central character in Othello. Your essay will revolve around a central thesis, a compelling idea about this character, which you will then prove in the subsequent body paragraphs. You may prove your thesis through an investigation of the character’s speech (words/phrases that reveal something interesting about that character) and actions (things the character does that reveal a hidden motivation/personality trait).

• Remember: all of your examples MUST support your thesis. You’re not giving a plot summary of the play – rather, you are investigating and analyzing a character, revealing trough this investigation Shakespeare’s message about society/humanity.

Requirements:

Introduction with the following elements:

• Grabber
• Focus Statement
• Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs (3-5) with the following elements:

• Main Idea Sentence
• Supporting Details
• QUOTES from the play with proper citations (Act, scene, line #)

Conclusion:

• Re-state the thesis (in a new and interesting way)
• Clincher

Length: 750-900 words (about 4 pages typed)

Outline

This outline, or another organizer of your choice must be handed in with your essay

I. Introduction (100-150 words)

• Grabber: (Introduce the play, the author, and your topic in 3-4 sentences)
• Thesis:
• What character are your exploring in the paper?
• Who is this character? (Explain in 1 sentence)
• What are you going to say about your character? (This is your ARGUMENT!)

II. Reason #1 (200 words):

• Main Idea:
• Supporting detail 1:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 2:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 3 (optional):
• Quotation from the play
• Wrap up the paragraph: How do all of these details support your thesis?

III. Reason #2 (200 words):

• Transition/Main Idea:
• Supporting detail 1:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 2:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 3 (optional):
• Quotation from the play
• Wrap up the paragraph: How do all of these details support your thesis?

IV. Reason #3 (200 words):

• Main Idea:
• Supporting detail 1:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 2:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 3 (optional):
• Quotation from the play
• Wrap up the paragraph: How do all of these details support your thesis?

V. Reason #4 (optional):

• Main Idea:
• Supporting detail 1:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 2:
• Quotation from the play:
• Supporting detail 3 (optional):
• Quotation from the play
• Wrap up the paragraph: How do all of these details support your thesis?

VI. Conclusion

• Restate your THESIS (don’t repeat what you said in the introduction…make it a little new and different)
• Clincher: What was Shakespeare saying about humanity through this character?

About

This character analysis activity will guide students in writing a 750-900 word essay (about 4 pages double-spaced) analyzing one central character in Othello. The essay will revolve around a central thesis, a compelling idea about this character, which will then prove in the subsequent body paragraphs. A grading rubric and writing mind map is included for teachers/students to use in assisting with the writing process.