Character Analysis Essay Organizer. When a great man dies, for years beyond our ken, the light he leaves behind him lies upon the paths

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1 Hunt 1 Character Analysis Essay Organizer Introduction (complete using full sentences) Attention-Getter (quote, question, anecdote, shocking statement): When a great man dies, for years beyond our ken, the light he leaves behind him lies upon the paths of men. These words from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow s poem Charles Sumner are both powerful and, in some ways, prophetic. Introduce story s title and author: In John Steinbeck s Of Mice and Men, Give brief background: What is the story about? the imprint that Lennie makes upon his best friend George will not soon be forgotten. The two men travel together from town to town, working on ranches trying to earn enough money to buy a ranch of their own. George acts most-often as Lennie s caregiver, and Lennie, with his mental disability, relies on George to guide him and, all too offer, to get and keep him out of trouble. Lennie s penchant for touching and petting soft things creates serious difficulties for the pair, and ultimately leads to Lennie s death. This tragic end to the story cannot help but impact George for the rest of his life. Thesis: In one sentence, state what your character s overarching trait is, or how he changes from one type of person to another, followed by the three sub-traits and how and/or why these affect the story, themes and/or other characters. Lennie is an incredibly memorable best friend, a man who is likeable, honest and obedient. These traits influence most if not all of Lennie s decisions and outcomes, sometimes building bridges between characters, sometimes building barricades and bringing on brutality, and always leaving an unforgettable impact. ENG3U I HUNT Character Analysis Essay Organizer Sample 1 of 5

2 Hunt 2 Sub-trait I (complete using short answers, words and/or phrases not full sentences) First, Lennie is likeable in spite of his shortcomings. Love of animals is endearing: mice (6), rabbits (14), puppies (42) An put some grass to the rabbits, [ ] I wouldn t never forget to feed them (61) even though he unintentionally kills them He s a nice fella, said Slim. Guy don t need no sense to be a nice fella (40) You re nuts, she said. But you re a kinda nice fella. Jus like a big baby (90) People know he means well and believe he has no ill-intent, so they trust him Believe because he is likeable and kind and gentle that violent or a danger only when provoked No one expects he will harm anyone unless in self-defence so no one keeps a close enough eye on him, which leads to escalating trouble ENG3U I HUNT Character Analysis Essay Organizer Sample 2 of 5

3 Hunt 3 Sub-trait II (complete using short answers, words and/or phrases not full sentences) In addition, Lennie is also honest. Tells the truth about the dead mouse even though he doesn t want George to take it Lennie reluctantly reached into his pocket (9) Cries out that he didn t want to hurt Curley (64) Shows that honesty is understood by some but is not an excuse in the eyes of others Proves second trait his obedience to George Because honest, people give him the benefit of the doubt and feel sorry for him Though honest, still hurts animals and people, which leads to trouble because people naturally want to stop him ENG3U I HUNT Character Analysis Essay Organizer Sample 3 of 5

4 Hunt 4 Sub-trait III (complete using short answers, words and/or phrases not full sentences) Finally, Lennie is naïve. Jumps in river when George tells him to, even though he can t swim (40) Doesn t understand why Curley wants to pick on him (62) Runs to the river to hide in the brush like George told him to thinking George will get him out of trouble again (92) Believes in George, no matter what George says Makes it easy for others to take advantage of him Gets him into a lot of trouble with others Lennie doesn t understand that people take advantage can put him in position of vulnerability Hurts others without intent Curley defense may facilitate later unintended violence Even naïve when George prepares to pull the trigger ENG3U I HUNT Character Analysis Essay Organizer Sample 4 of 5

5 Hunt 5 Conclusion (complete using full sentences) Summarize the main idea of each paragraph in the essay and end with a strong version of your thesis and a conclusion that wraps up the story and convinces your reader to agree with you. In conclusion, Lennie Small has many traits that make him a friend George Milton will never forget. Lennie is likeable thanks to his affection for animals, his innocent nature and his commitment to George. He is also honest, almost to a fault incapable of lying to his best and only friend, and acknowledging his mistakes when he makes them while at that same time clarifying that he never intends to hurt anything or anyone. Finally, he is naive, which is a trait that often appears endearing and yet ultimately leads to his demise because he never comes to fully understand how to keep his strength under control. In a friendship built over a lifetime, through good times and bad, with a final act of mercy, Lennie is and will remain a most memorable best friend, lighting a path that will impact George for the rest of his life. x,xxx [word count] ENG3U I HUNT Character Analysis Essay Organizer Sample 5 of 5

An Unforgettable Friendship. In the words of renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, When a great man dies, for years

An Unforgettable Friendship. In the words of renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, When a great man dies, for years Hunt 1 Stacey Hunt Ms. Hunt ENG3U0-01 November 1, 2015 An Unforgettable Friendship In the words of renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, When a great man dies, for years beyond our ken, the light he