I have to write a short essay on the believablity of Pheobe Winterbottom from Walk Two Moons.

This is what my book tells me:
"When you write an analysis of a character, you might want to include your assessment of the character's believability. That is, does the character behave and talk the way a person in real life would? Does the character seem like an individual, or is he/she a stereotype? (Another word for believability is credibility)"

I need help writing this about her because I don't know where to start, what to include, and how to write it.
Please help, as I have been stuck on this for a while now

Thanks
-MC

I also have to answer these questions on her:

1. Does she change in an important way in the story?

2. What or who causes the change?

These are my answers:

1. I think Pheobe does change in the end of the story; she is less paranoid about lunatics trying to kidnap her or her mom and she also becomes more understanding towards her family.

2. Pheobe's mom and half brother change her in the story because after their secret is revealed, Pheobe's accusations on her mom and brother are gone and she learns to live with her new brother.

Is this OK?

Thanks
-MC

Your answers to the two questions looks correct, although I'm not familiar with this book.

For your essay -- first decide whether the character is believable. Then defend your decision with incidents and quotations from the book.

Alllrighhty, thanks!

-MC

Writing an analysis of the believability of a character can be an interesting and engaging task. To effectively assess the believability of Phoebe Winterbottom from the book "Walk Two Moons" in your essay, here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Start by providing a brief introduction to the character and the book: Begin your essay by introducing Phoebe Winterbottom and providing a brief summary of the book "Walk Two Moons." This will establish context for your analysis and allow your readers to understand who Phoebe is and the role she plays in the story.

2. Provide examples of behavior and dialogue: To assess the believability of a character, it is essential to examine their behavior and dialogue. Explore instances in the book where Phoebe's actions and words are consistent with how a real person might behave and talk. Look for moments that reveal her thoughts, emotions, fears, and motivations. Analyze these examples to demonstrate how Phoebe's behavior aligns with realistic human experiences.

3. Evaluate the character's individuality: Consider whether Phoebe is portrayed as an individual or if she falls into the realm of stereotypes. Stereotypes are generalizations that do not fully capture a character's complexity or unique traits. Assess whether Phoebe possesses distinct qualities, personal quirks, or a unique perspective that sets her apart from other characters in the book. Evaluate her as an individual and reflect on how her individuality contributes to her credibility.

4. Consider character development: Another aspect to consider when assessing believability is the character's development throughout the story. Analyze how Phoebe evolves, grows, or changes as the plot unfolds. Is her development consistent with real-life experiences and personal growth? Discuss instances in the book where Phoebe's actions and decisions reflect her development, adding depth and credibility to her character.

5. Explain the significance of believability: Dedicate a section of your essay to explaining why believability is important in literature. Discuss how believable characters can evoke empathy from readers, make the story more relatable, and enhance the overall reading experience. Reflect on how Phoebe's believability impacts the themes, messages, and overall success of "Walk Two Moons."

6. Draw conclusions and provide evidence: In your concluding paragraph, summarize your assessment of Phoebe Winterbottom's believability. Restate your main arguments and provide evidence from the book to support your claims. Reinforce the importance of examining believability in literary analysis, and discuss the significance of Phoebe's character to the overall narrative.

Remember, as you write your essay, make sure to provide specific examples from the book to support your analysis. Provide quotations and page references to strengthen your arguments. By following these steps, you can effectively assess the believability of Phoebe Winterbottom from "Walk Two Moons" and write a comprehensive and insightful analysis.