In a compare and contrast essay how do you start the introduction paragraph?comparing and contrasting 2 characters from 2 different books. 1....

There's two ways to do comparison contrast: whole-to-whole or point-to-point.  Both ways are given below:

1) Subject by Subject or Text-by-Text or Whole-to-Whole (divided) pattern of comparison (A+B); discuss all of A, then all of B.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND INFO: Name your two subjects.

B. THESIS: State your purpose (to persuade or inform); if you are merely informing, declaring that intent is your thesis. If you are persuading (passing judgment), then you can have a limited thesis or a full thesis. A limited thesis declares your intent to persuade, but doesn't give away your opinion yet; that is saved for the Conclusion. A full thesis goes ahead and gives your opinion as to which subject is superior. Usually, a limited thesis at this point will help you to remain unbiased in the descriptive Main Body.

C. PREVIEW: List your standards of comparison.

2) Standard by Standard or Point-by-Point; or Part-to-Part (alternating) pattern of comparison (A/B + A/B), i.e., elements of the first thing are discussed, then elements of the second. This process is then repeated.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND INFO: Name your two subjects.

B. THESIS: State your purpose (to persuade or inform); if you are merely informing, declaring that intent is your thesis. If you are persuading (passing judgment), then you can have a limited thesis or a full thesis. A limited thesis declares your intent to persuade, but doesn't give away your opinion yet; that is saved for the Conclusion. A full thesis goes ahead and gives your opinion as to which subject is superior. Usually, a limited thesis at this point will help you to remain unbiased in the descriptive Main Body.

C. PREVIEW: List your standards of comparison.