Steps in the pre-writing process for creating an Odysseus and Me essay
                                                                                                                   

1. First, look to the question. The task is to explain how you have displayed similar characteristics as Odysseus. Thinking about you is easy, so I would recommend starting with the difficult part - Odysseus.
    
2. Therefore, begin by thinking about characteristics of Odysseus. You will need three, but think of more so you can eliminate any that sound repetitive or that you have trouble supporting.
    
3. After you think of a few, list places in The Odyssey where you recall Odysseus displaying that trait.
    
4. Look through the text and find definite examples of where Odysseus shows the three characteristics you've chosen. When you find those examples, write a quote from the text that you will use in the essay.
   1. Remember, a quote is any passage from the text, it doesn't have to be when a character was speaking.
   2. Also, be sure to write down more than you may need, and write the line numbers too! It is easier to use less of the quote later than to return to the book and find more, and it is quite frustrating to look back through the text to find quotes you forgot to get.
   3. You may type these quotes directly into a Word document, which will save you work later.
       
5. Think of a specific story from your life to match each of Odysseus' characteristics. You will need a specific story, not just a statement. Jot these down beneath the quotes you gathered.
    
6. Write your thesis statement, mentioning Odysseus, you, and all three characteristics (because that is what the essay is about).