Character Analysis: The Basics
Understanding character types is your starting point for any good analysis. Protagonists are your main characters (the heroes of the story), while antagonists create conflict and obstacles.
You'll also encounter flat characters - these are simple, unchanging figures who serve specific purposes but don't develop much. Think of them like background actors. Round characters, on the other hand, are complex and evolve throughout the story - they're the ones you'll usually write about in depth.
Your first step is becoming a text detective. Gather evidence about your character's appearance, personality, relationships, and most importantly - how they change. Look for what they say, what they do, and crucially, what other characters think about them.
Tipp: Always back up your observations with direct quotes from the text - this shows you're not just guessing!