This thesis is titled "Moral Criticism on Dawson's Character in The Best of Me Novel". The data in this thesis is taken from the novel The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks.

The purpose of this study is to find out the story of The Best of Me; know of moral criticism in Dawson's character; and what moral criticism depicted in Dawson's character. Data collection techniques in this study are by observation (reading the novel The Best of Me), taking notes and writing points and understanding every content of the story in the novel The Best of Me. In this research the researcher found six stages of Lawrence Kohlberg's moral value that portrayed the main character, Dawson Cole. The first stage is when Dawson wanted to get recognition from others that Dawson was not the same as his family, including his father, who was considered evil by falsifying his report card values to very bad grades. Even though Dawson is an outstanding
student. The second stage is when Dawson began to change with the courage to threaten to kill his father when his father beat him again. The third stage is when Dawson proved to Tuck that he could work and also when Dawson proved to Amanda that he was not dating anyone after breaking up with Amanda. The fourth stage is when Dawson secretly sent a check to Marilyn to be used for his needs and his children. The fifth stage is when Dawson and Marilyn debated about his household but in the end they ended well. The sixth stage is when Dawson helped and saved Amanda's life and also Jared, Amanda's son.
Key words: Moral Value, The Best of Me novel