Hero Essay Shaping Sheet NAME ______________________________________
This shaping sheet must be completed in full before you begin typing your essay.

Title: Your paper needs an interesting title (not just “Hero Essay”). Don’t get stuck on the title right away; if you can’t think of anything, work on the rest of the essay and come back to the title.
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I. Paragraph 1: Introduction
Hook: Grab your reader’s attention! Use a quote and explanation of the quote, a vivid description, a surprising fact, a dramatic moment, or a story. Avoid using a question.
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Necessary Information 1: definition of the word “hero.” Because we defined the word together in class, you can define it here and do not need a source citation.
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Necessary Information 2: brief summary of your novel or movie; no more than 2 or 3 sentences—you will give specific details in the body paragraphs.
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Source Information for Necessary Information 2: If using information from a novel, cite the author’s last name. If using information from a movie, cite the director’s last name.
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Thesis Statement: The focus of your paper in one sentence. Your thesis statement should include the three characteristics used in your novel/movie and a very brief explanation of their importance.
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II. Paragraph 2: First Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence: A topic sentence has a topic and a limiting idea (or focus). Your topic is your first hero characteristic. What is it and how is it illustrated? Use one of the three sources provided for this part of the paper.
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Source Information for Topic Sentence: Include the author’s last name and the title of the source used.
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Concrete Detail 1 (CD 1): Give a specific example from your novel/movie that proves a particular character or plot event represents your first hero element.
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Source Information