Choose a writer for your research paper. Read as many works by that writer as possible. This will give you a foundation for your paper. Make notes about the works you've read. Pay particular attention to common themes, ideas, characters and elements that are seen throughout many works.
Study the writer's life and career. A writer's upbringing and experiences often affect his writing. By studying the writer's life, you will better understand why he wrote the way he did. Make some notes about the writer's life, especially as it relates to his works.
If needed, study the time period in which your writer lived and worked. Different literary periods had different characteristics, and many times those characteristics came from what was happening in the world at the time. For example, literature written during World War II often dealt with war and how it affected people. Make notes on the time period your writer wrote in, paying close attention to how the events of the world could have affected her writing.
Create your thesis. A thesis is a statement that explains what your research paper is about. Everything else in your paper relates directly to your thesis. Look at your notes to help you decide. The research can help point you in a direction for your paper. Ask yourself what you want to say about the writer's works in your paper. Ask yourself why this writer is important to literature. This may help you create your thesis.
Use your notes and thesis statement to create an outline for your paper. The outline is a basic map of your paper. It will help you stay on topic as you write your research paper. It will also help make sure that you cover all the important points to support your thesis.
Write the first draft of your research paper. Use your notes and outline to guide you. Review your first draft. You will likely need to make changes and correct errors to strengthen your paper. Make notes about what needs to be changed in margins of your paper. Revise your research paper.
Ask someone else to read your paper and make suggestions to help strengthen it. A fresh pair of eyes may be able to see a mistake you've missed. Make any additional revisions needed for your research paper.