Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

As you read the character sketch to the left, notice the following:

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

First of all, notice the tone. It is formally written, avoiding slang and colloquialisms.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

It is written in the third person, avoiding first and second person pronouns (“I”; “you”).

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Pay attention to the overall structure of the piece.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

There is a strong topic sentence, which introduces both the character and the story…

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

…in addition to giving the reader an idea of where the piece is going and providing a hook so the reader is compelled to read on.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

As important as a strong topic sentence…

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

…is a strong conclusion.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

This leaves the reader with a final thought that encapsulates the meaning of the whole paragraph.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Between the topic sentence and the conclusion are where the ideas are further developed.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

One of the common difficulties people have when writing character sketches is avoiding falling into plot summary.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

A character sketch does not tell what a character does, but who he or she is.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Clearly identifying character traits before you begin to write can help avoid this.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

What words would you use to describe Santa Claus?

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Perhaps: dedicated, good, brave, generous, heroic, hard working, passionate…

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Notice how these words are woven into the character sketch.

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Then you justify the claims through evidence…

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

…such as specific things he has done…

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

…and using direct quotations (which can be made either by the character in question, another character, or the narrator).

Character Sketch

With a penchant for sweets and his jovial ways, Santa Claus, in “A Christmas Tale”, has dedicated his life to bringing joy to children the world over and representing that which is good in human nature. Having spent his own childhood in abject poverty, Santa has committed his adult life to ensuring that, if only once a year, every good little girl and boy knows the generosity of strangers. With the help of his trusty reindeer, he bravely ventures out, despite “strong winds and icy rooftops”, often risking his own safety to deliver toys to deserving children everywhere. His selfless determination is made further evident when property price rise to record heights, threatening the operations of his infamous toy factory. Mrs. Claus remembers, “He was devastated at the prospect of having to close the factory. When the opportunity arose to save the business by relocating north, he did not hesitate. Leaving the beaches he loved behind, he happily moved – anything for the children.” While he comes under fire by some, claiming that he is nothing more than a glorified trespasser, his fans continue to show their thanks leaving milk and cookies each Christmas Eve for their beloved hero. Through his hard work and passion for giving, Santa Claus discredits his critics, proving that kindness can prevail and the Spirit of Christmas lives on.

Finally, before you are finished, read your piece out loud to yourself or have somebody else edit it for clarity, style and grammar.