Effective comparisons do more than identify similarities, they show the relationship between two things (characters) and explain their importance.
- You must have logical organization and clear connections
for a well-written comparison essay.
- Do not just state how your characters are the same, give a higher purpose, prove something by comparing your characters. Give your paper a point.
To plan a comparison, identify the similarities between the characters that are usually considered different.
Introduction:
In your introduction, clearly identify the similarities you are writing about. Include the importance of these similarities; what you are proving to your reader.
O.K., next question...How to come up with this "importance" of similarities.
Ask yourself a few questions, "Why should anyone compare a holiday in Hawaii to a holiday in Virginia Beach? Well, the writer may not want to show that the pleasures of sun and surf, and exotic foods are available for much less money.
Thesis statement, "A vacation in Virginia Beach is just as satisfying as a vacation in Hawaii, without the cost"
Now, why should anyone compare two characters from two novels?
Brainstorm- Character 1 _______________________
brainstorm- Character 2 _______________________
Ideas, Why would a writer compare these two characters? How are their similarities important?
From these ideas, create a thesis statement.
No, it cannot be "Character 1 and character 2 have a lot a similarities" Have a purpose.
Body of Paper
Organize the body of your paper according to two basic patterns: Block pattern and Alternating pattern.
In a Block Pattern, the writer discusses one unit in it's entirety before going on to the other.
Thesis statement: On Golden Pond is more exciting than As We Are Now.
I. On Golden Pond
A. Characters
B. Events
C. Emotional Aspects
II. As We Are Now
A. Characters
B. Events
C. Emotional Aspects
Alternating Pattern- This pattern swings back and forth between its two subjects.
I. Characters
A. On Golden Pond
B. As We Are Now
II. Events
A. On Golden Pond
B. As We Are Now
III. Emotional Aspects
A. On Golden Pond
B. As We Are Now
' Conclusion- In your conclusion, summarize major points of similarities and restate your original purpose or point.
More prewriting, complete an outline.
If you are choosing Block Pattern:
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
Alternating Pattern-
Thesis Statement-
I.
A.
B.
II.
A.
B.
III.
A.
B.
You will need to follow either block style or alternate style. You must include an outline for your essay. 
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