Behrman is one of the most compelling characters in classroom short fiction. He is a failed painter in his sixties who drinks too much, scoffs at sentimentality, and yet quietly risks everything for a young neighbor. Because his true nature is only revealed at the end, student essays about him can vary widely, and grading them requires attention to how well each writer tracks his development.

A character analysis essay should do more than list adjectives. Students often write that Behrman is "grumpy, old, and kind," which describes him but does not analyze him. Stronger essays explain how his gruffness conceals compassion, how his long-delayed ambition shapes his final act, and how the narrator's presentation of him changes the reader's understanding as the story unfolds.

To grade these essays fairly, define what character analysis means at your grade level. For younger students, it might be identifying traits and supporting them with actions. For older students, it might involve explaining how the author uses characterization, contrast with other characters, and the final reveal to develop a theme about sacrifice or artistic purpose.

Looking for Evidence of Change and Contrast

One of the most productive aspects of Behrman's characterization is the contrast between what he says and what he does. He mocks Johnsy's fanciful notions about the leaves, yet he spends a freezing night painting a leaf on the wall to preserve her hope. Strong essays notice this tension and use it to argue that his surface attitude hides a deeper sense of responsibility.

• Identifies a central trait supported by specific actions
• Explains the contrast between Behrman's words and deeds
• Considers how other characters view him
• Connects his character to the story's theme
• Evaluates the significance of his final act

Common Weaknesses to Address

One frequent weakness is summarizing Behrman's life without drawing conclusions. Students recount that he has been planning a masterpiece for decades and that he lives on the ground floor, but they do not explain what these details reveal about his character or about the story's message. Comments should push them to answer the question "so what?" after each detail.

Another problem is assuming that the reveal erases earlier characterization. Some students argue that Behrman was always kind, ignoring how the author shows him as sharp-tongued and dismissive. Feedback can encourage nuance, asking students to consider how both sides of the character coexist and how the story relies on that complexity for its emotional effect.

Making Character Essay Grading More Efficient

Because character analysis essays often follow a similar structure, you can speed up grading by using a comment bank aligned with the rubric rows. When a student lists traits without evidence, you can apply a ready-made comment that explains how to add action-based support. Tailor the first sentence to the student's paper, and the feedback will still feel personal.

AI assisted grading can further reduce the workload by identifying whether each paragraph includes a trait, supporting evidence, and an explanation of significance. Teachers can then focus on judging the depth of interpretation, which is the area where human insight matters most and where students benefit from thoughtful responses.

Encouraging Revision That Deepens Analysis

After grading, ask students to revise one paragraph by adding a sentence that explains what Behrman's actions reveal about the theme. This single revision task is manageable and often results in noticeably deeper analysis. It also shows students that a strong essay is built through repeated refinement rather than a single draft.

Pair this revision with a short reflection on what the student learned about Behrman after rereading the ending. Reflection helps students see how their understanding of a character can shift, a skill that carries over to novels, plays, and even historical figures they study in other classes.