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How to Write a Report on the Character Silas Marner

A character report is a special kind of book report that focuses on one particular character from a work of fiction. The purpose of a character report is to discuss the character in question in depth, talking about how he or she relates to the novel or story and how his or her actions, or lack thereof, either drive the plot or help to underline the message the author was trying to communicate. Learning how to write a report on a character involves analyzing both the character as an individual and the fictional work as a whole.

Things You'll Need

  • "Silas Marner" by George Eliot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Discuss Silas Marner's role in the novel "Silas Marner." Because he is the protagonist, or principal character, of the novel, there will be a lot to discuss. Make notes of each of the main points in the plot of the novel and how they relate to Marner's character, and then address each in turn.

    • 2

      Discuss the character's physical appearance and mental state as it relates to each of the plot points you are addressing in your report. As a character progresses through a story, that character's appearance and mental state will often change to reflect the circumstances he or she find him- or herself in. This is particularly relevant to Silas Marner, since his circumstances change dramatically throughout the story.

    • 3

      Discuss Marner's motivations regarding each of the principal plot points. Since he is the central character in the story, Marner's motivations both affect the plot and are also affected by it, so his viewpoint changes as the novel progresses. Discuss why his goals in life change and how this helps demonstrate his changing values.

    • 4

      Conclude your report with a short paragraph or two about how real the character of Silas Marner is, both from the point of view of the time the novel was written and from a modern point of view. Discuss whether the character is likable, amiable or downright horrible. This will help sum up your views on the character as you expressed them in the main body of the report.

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