In a long composition, when you write the paragraph that's supposed to "identify the character" what is it supposed to say?

their personality or their struggles or the basics of their life in the book?

Characterization is the literary term used to identify HOW the author lets us (the readers) in on everything we need to know about a particular character. Sometimes we know a great deal, such as for a main character; other times, we know just the basics, such as for a secondary or background character.

Here's a good definition of characterization:
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/characterization.html

If you include information that addresses as many of these five items as possible about the character you're writing about, you should do well.

When writing a paragraph that is intended to "identify the character" in a long composition, you generally want to provide a brief overview of the character, focusing on key aspects such as their personality, struggles, and basic information about their life in the book. This paragraph aims to introduce the character to the reader and offer some insight into who they are and what role they play in the story.

To write this paragraph effectively, there are a few steps you can follow:

1. Read and analyze the text: Start by thoroughly reading the portion of the book or the literature that introduces the character you want to identify. Take notes as you go, paying attention to their actions, dialogue, and how they are described by the author.

2. Identify key characteristics: Determine the character's personality traits, strengths, flaws, and quirks. Consider their motivations, fears, and desires as well. Think about what makes them unique and significant to the story.

3. Highlight struggles and conflicts: Explore the challenges that the character faces throughout the book. Analyze their internal and external struggles, conflicts with other characters, or any obstacles they encounter. This will help to paint a clearer picture of their experiences.

4. Provide basic information: Include essential details about the character's background, role, and relationship with other characters. Mention their name, age, occupation, or any significant events that shape their identity in the book. Be careful not to reveal major plot points that could spoil the reading experience for others.

5. Structure the paragraph: Begin your paragraph with a topic sentence that identifies the character you are focusing on. Then, incorporate the information you gathered in a coherent and well-organized manner. Use specific examples or quotes from the text to support your insights whenever possible.

Remember, the purpose of this paragraph is to offer readers a glimpse into the character's world and establish a foundation for further analysis or exploration. It should be concise yet descriptive, capturing the essence of the character while remaining engaging for the audience.