#AP English Literature: Character Analysis - Your Night-Before Guide 🚀

Hey there, future literary master! Let's make sure you're feeling super confident about character analysis for your AP Lit exam. This guide is designed to be your quick, go-to resource tonight. We'll break down everything you need to know, focusing on what's most important and how to apply it on test day. Let’s dive in!

#1. Character Descriptions: The Foundation

#First Impressions Matter

When a character is introduced, pay close attention to their description. It's the author's way of setting the stage. Descriptions can be short and sweet, or long and detailed.

Examples:

• Short Description: Cinderella is described as "pious and good."
• Detailed Description: Lucie Manette is described with physical details (golden hair, blue eyes) and hints of her personality (inquiring look, thoughtful expression).

Caption: Cinderella, as depicted by Arthur Rackham, embodies the 'pious and good' description.

#What to Look For

Character descriptions often include:

• Physical Details: Hair color, height, appearance.
• Personality Details: Hopes, dreams, motives, beliefs, and general descriptors like “grumpy” or “kind.”
• Background Details: Family history, social status, etc.
• Source of Description: Narrator, other character, or self-description.

#2. Expectations and Reality: When Characters Surprise Us

#Setting Expectations

A character’s initial description creates expectations for their actions. For example, a character described as “pious and good” is expected to act accordingly, like Cinderella.

#When Expectations are Subverted

Sometimes, characters defy expectations. This can lead to deeper analysis:

• Authorial Inconsistency? (Usually not the best explanation)
• Biased Description: The describer might be unreliable (e.g., a biased family member).
• Unreliable Narrator: The narrator may not be telling the truth.
• Values Dissonance: The character's values might clash with modern values or the author's time.

#Context is Key

Remember to consider the historical and cultural context of the work. This can help explain why a character might act in unexpected ways.

#3. Inferring Character Traits: Reading Between the Lines

#Unspoken Traits

Characters don't always explicitly state their traits. We often infer them from:

• Actions: A character who bolts their doors and sleeps with a shotgun is likely afraid.
• Metaphors & Similes: A character described as “hard as stone” is likely stubborn and cold.
• State or Innate Qualities: A character described as "young" might be naive or innocent.

#Motives

Motives drive a character's actions. Common motives include love, fear, and envy. Look for what pushes a character to act.

#Archetypes

Characters may sometimes fit into archetypes like "the hero" or "the mentor." Be careful not to fall into stereotypes, but use archetypes to make predictions.

#Historical Context

Understanding the historical context can reveal hidden meanings. For example, in older works, blonde hair and blue eyes often indicated a kind and sweet personality.

Caption: Lucie Manette, from "A Tale of Two Cities", often described as young and innocent.

#4. Character Perspectives: Seeing the World Through Their Eyes

#What is Perspective?

A character's perspective is their point of view on the world, events, and other characters. It shapes their decisions and actions.

#Identifying Perspective

• Direct Statements: Characters may explicitly state their views.
• Actions: A character's actions reveal their perspective.

#Narrator's Role

The narrator's perspective affects how we understand a character. A first-person narrator has limited knowledge, while an omniscient narrator knows all.

Understanding character perspectives is vital because it directly impacts plot development and thematic understanding.

#Change Over Time

A character's perspective can evolve throughout the story. A cynical character might become optimistic, and vice-versa.

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

#Highest Priority Topics

• Character Descriptions and their impact on expectations.
• Inferring Character Traits from actions and metaphors.
• Character Perspectives and how they influence the plot.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Identifying character traits based on descriptions.
• Short Answer: Analyzing how a character's actions contradict their initial description.
• Free Response: Exploring how a character's perspective shapes their decisions and the overall theme of the work.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Avoid Stereotypes: Don't assume all characters will fit neatly into pre-defined categories.
• Context is King: Always consider the historical and cultural context of the work.
• Trust Your Analysis: You've got this! Trust your ability to interpret the text.

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. In a novel, a character is initially described as “generous and kind,” but later acts selfishly. Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for this contradiction? (A) The author is inconsistent in character development. (B) The narrator is biased in their description. (C) The character’s perspective has changed over time. (D) The author is using this contradiction to explore a theme.

2. A character is described as having "eyes like a hawk."