The artist performing a character sketch attempts to capture an expression or gesture that goes beyond coincident actions and gets to the essence of the individual.
Thomas Overbury (c. 1581-1613), John Earle (c. 1601-1665), Richard Steele (1672–1729), and Joseph Addison (1672–1719) also wrote notable character sketches.
They created several personas such as Roger de Coverly, Mr. Spectator, and Captain Sentry, who represented different classes in English society.
Using the point of view of these personas, Addison and Steele wrote sketches that addressed important events in the social and political atmospheres.
Rather than make social or political commentary, Whitman used the opportunity to provide sketches that publicly praised his friends and ridiculed his enemies.