Questions about Prompt #4 for the Common App essay?

<p>The topic says to: "Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence."</p>

<p>I looked at some essay examples online, and they're all written like short-story narratives of one specific event... like someone describing how they won a martial arts competition or how they were walking down a street in a foreign country. (
Sample</a> Essays: Influential Person)</p>

<p>I get how they can do that in "significant experience/personal achievement" essays, but for this prompt seems more reflective than narrative.</p>

<p>Are you supposed to choose one favorite character, describe their personality, and then compare them to yourself? Or would it be better to introduce a character and pick an event and describe with extra details?</p>

<p>The essay prompts are meant to be pretty open so that each individual can interpret them however they want. In that case, there’s nothing you’re necessarily obliged to do other than provide them with a character or historical figure who has had an influence on you. Aside from this, you may proceed with your essay however you may choose to do.</p>