New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

In character analysis, what should be done after examining physical appearance?

1. Make predictions about future actions

2. Conduct a survey on audience perception

3. Describe the character's environment

4. Focus on the author's intention

The correct answer is: Make predictions about future actions

After examining a character's physical appearance, making predictions about future actions is a logical next step in character analysis. This approach assumes that a character's appearance can provide insights into their personality, motivations, and potential decisions. For instance, certain traits, such as a disheveled look, may suggest carelessness or turmoil, while a well-groomed character might imply confidence or discipline. By connecting these visual cues to the character’s behavior and choices, one can form educated guesses about how the character might act in future situations. The other options, while relevant to the broader context of literary analysis, do not directly follow the act of examining physical appearance. Conducting a survey on audience perception involves a different focus, aiming to gather outside opinions rather than interpreting the character in context. Describing the character's environment can indeed enrich the analysis, but it typically comes after assessing both physical traits and personal background. Focusing on the author's intention also shifts the analysis towards the creator's perspective instead of the character's developments and actions. Thus, predicting future actions based on their appearance directly ties into a cohesive character analysis that leads to deeper comprehension.