Character Verdict Handout
The Character Verdict
Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer & Planner
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Your Mission
You will write a 3-paragraph persuasive essay about one character. First, choose one prompt below. Use this planner to gather your thoughts!
😠 Prompt 1 — LOATHSOME
Who is the most loathsome (causing hatred or disgust; repulsive) character in this book? In other words, which character is the worst? Write a convincing argument using direct and indirect quotations from the book and/or examples. Be persuasive and creative!
😢 Prompt 2 — PITIFUL
Who is the most pitiful (deserving or arousing pity; sad; pathetic) character in this book? In other words, which character can you not help but feel bad for? Write a convincing argument using direct and indirect quotations from the book and/or examples. Be persuasive and creative!
1 Pre-Writing: Help Me Choose!
Who is a character in this book that you strongly dislike or who does bad things?
Character: _________________________________________________
Why are they bad? (Explain with details):
Who is the character in this book who you feel the most sorry for?
Character: _________________________________________________
Why do you feel sorry for them? (Explain with details):
My Final Choice:
😠 Loathsome 😢 Pitiful
My Character: ________________
2 Evidence Hunt: Quote #1
Find your first quote from the book that proves your choice.
Evidence Quote #1
Please copy the quote directly:
Sentence frame (Explain the quote):
This quote shows that my character is [loathsome / pitiful] because ________________________________________________
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Part 2: Quotes & Paragraph Outline
Class: ____________________
Evidence Quote #2
Please copy the quote directly:
Sentence frame (Explain the quote):
This proves that the character is [loathsome / pitiful] because ________________________________________________
Evidence Quote #3
Please copy the quote directly:
Sentence frame (Explain the quote):
This is important because it shows that ________________________________________________
3 Drafting Outline: Sentence Starters
Paragraph 1: Intro & Claim starts the paper
Sentence 1 (Intro): In the book, there are many characters that make us react differently.
Sentence 2 (Claim): However, the most [loathsome / pitiful] character is ____________ because ____________.
Paragraph 2: The Body (Your Evidence) where you write your 3 quotes
Sentence 1 (Quote 1): To begin, the author writes, "Quote 1." This shows that .
Sentence 2 (Quote 2): Additionally, the text states, "Quote 2." This shows .
Sentence 3 (Quote 3): Finally, the book says, "Quote 3." This proves that .
Paragraph 3: Conclusion closes your paper
Sentence 1 (Restate): In conclusion, ____________ is definitely the most [loathsome / pitiful] character.
Sentence 2 (Final Thought): Their actions and quotes make the reader feel ___________________________.
Final Essay Requirements
✓ Typed on a Computer
✓ 12 pt. Times New Roman Font
✓ 3 Paragraphs Complete
✓ Includes 3 Quotes
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