How do I structure my essay?

To the question of how to answer an essay when presented with a bewildering, complicated question, I would always advise arranging all ideas on a piece of paper, not particularly in order, just so everything is written down to see easier. So first i would ask the student to brainstorm any inital ideas they have, bearing in mind what the question is asking, whether it be to 'explain', 'evaluate', 'analyse'  etc. Then highlight the parts of the question that refer to specific themes or characters, and add more specific notations. Then, once every idea is on paper, even if the student deems it pointless or irrelevant, re read these notes and group them together. For example, every idea to do with the relationship between two characters, or how two or more characters all fit into the same theme. Once each point is organsied into a group, a structure will form. Work out the main body of the essay, two or three paragraphs, and write a rough draft of those first. Then, once a line of argument has been formed, an introduction and conclusion can be written. If it comes naturally, try to also add some social context and implications of what you have suggested the writer is trying to communicate. This should all come together and flow with the rest of the essay!