Lord of the Flies Character Argument Essay
Using your knowledge of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, take and defend a position about one of the
characters (Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Simon, or Roger) and his significance in the novel.
For textual evidence, you must incorporate direct quotations from the novel and properly employ parenthetical
citations. For instance, use the format (Golding #). You do not need a Works Cited Page.
Prompt
Address the following considerations when composing your thesis and outlining your body paragraphs, as each
body paragraph must explore a different aspect of the character.
i. Is the character dynamic or static? Is the character round or flat? What traits does the character
demonstrate? How does his indirect characterization (STEAL) contribute to the meaning of the novel?
ii. Analyzing Golding’s diction, how does the character’s characterization and development throughout the
novel demonstrate specific themes? How do specific word choices enhance the meaning of the novel?
iii. What does the character symbolize? What abstract ideas (remember ideas are nouns!) does the character
represent?
iv. What symbols and motifs are associated with this character? What meaning do the symbols lend to the
understanding of the character?
Organization of Essay
1) Introduction
a. Hook
b. In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, (here is background and context for your topic).
c. Thesis/Claim – Clearly state your position on a character without using personal pronouns like “I”
2) 2-Chunk Counterargument Body Paragraph
a. Concession Statement – Present an opposing argument and its reasoning
b. Rebuttal – Beginning with a transition word to show contrast, state your logical argument refuting that
reason. Proceed to present why your argument is more compelling.
c. Integrated or Embedded Direct Quotation (CD1) – Cite using (Golding #) evidence that supports your
rebuttal.
d. Commentary (CMs) : TWO sentences interpreting the evidence and explaining how it defends your
rebuttal.
e. Integrated or Embedded Direct Quotation (CD2) – Cite using (Golding #) evidence that supports your
rebuttal.
f. Commentary (CMs) : TWO sentences interpreting the evidence and explaining how it defends your
rebuttal.
g. Concluding Sentence (CS) : Summarize your opposing viewpoint and rebuttal. Transition to next
paragraph.
3) 2-Chunk Body Paragraph
a. Topic Sentence (TS) – Main Idea of paragraph that supports Thesis
b. Integrated or Embedded Direct Quotation (CD1) – Cite using (Golding #)
c. Commentary (CMs) : At least 2 sentences explaining how your concrete detail illustrates your main
idea and supports your thesis.
d. Integrated or Embedded Direct Quotation (CD2) – Cite using (Golding #)
e. Commentary (CMs) : At least 2 sentences explaining how your concrete detail illustrates your main
idea and supports your overall thesis.
f. Concluding Sentence (CS) : Summarize your main idea and transition to the next paragraph.
4) 2-Chunk Body Paragraph
a. Same format as above
5) Conclusion
a. Restate Thesis in a different and refreshing way
b. Summarize and clarify the main idea of each body paragraph
c. Clincher or “Mic Drop” – Connect back to the hook or contemporary/universal real-world significance
After outlining and drafting your essay, you will type your essay as an MLA formatted
document (template available on webpage), submit your final draft to Turnitin.com, and
print out a physical copy to turn in during class.
