Essay topic sentences (using 4 books that we studied in my english class)

Hi guys,

I have to write an essay that requires me to use 4 books that we studied in my english class. If I want to split my body paragraphs so that each one is for one book, how would I go about doing that? Lets say my thesis is "The characters in the studied works become better people after smoking."

Would my topic sentences have to explain WHY the characters became better people after smoking? Or can I just use "John from The House by ...becomes a better person after smoking." without stating why he became a better person?

Please help! I'm confused!

I'd be willing to ciritique, but I think it's impossible unless you post a sample of your writing.

Well, make good transitions. Say "Additionally, x character from y book depicted the transformative nature of smoking."
"In a different manner, z character in w book became a better person."

I don't know. Give us examples.

Do both of you have msn? I don't want to post my essay/prompts on here because it might get googled by my teacher lol...