Creating CharactersCreating Characters

The process through which an actor The process through which an actor creates a character (whether a creates a character (whether a specific character from a play or a specific character from a play or a character for a skit or pantomime) is character for a skit or pantomime) is called called The Characterization The Characterization ProcessProcessThis process involves the actor tapping This process involves the actor tapping

into several possible sources for helpinto several possible sources for help

Characterization ProcessCharacterization Process

By using any of the following five elements, you By using any of the following five elements, you can help create a fully developed charactercan help create a fully developed character Observation and Experience—watch others and Observation and Experience—watch others and

remember what you see and hearremember what you see and hear Sense Memory—using your own memories of sights, Sense Memory—using your own memories of sights,

sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to help define a sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to help define a character in a certain situationcharacter in a certain situation

Emotional memory—technique of calling upon your own Emotional memory—technique of calling upon your own memories of intense emotions to understand your memories of intense emotions to understand your character (inside-out approach)character (inside-out approach)

Action Generated Memory—technique in which you Action Generated Memory—technique in which you perform the action associated with the emotion in order perform the action associated with the emotion in order to kick start the emotion (outside-in)to kick start the emotion (outside-in)

ImaginationImagination

Motivation and BehaviorMotivation and Behavior

What is a motive?What is a motive?A clear reason to do or say ANYTHINGA clear reason to do or say ANYTHING

Motive determines your Motive determines your objectiveobjective—your —your goals or intentionsgoals or intentions

When analyzing a scene or When analyzing a scene or monologue, first ask yourself two monologue, first ask yourself two questionsquestionsWhat is my motive?What is my motive?What is my objective?What is my objective?

Once you have determined those….Once you have determined those….

Motivation and BehaviorMotivation and Behavior

Figure out the followingFigure out the following Obstacles—what stands in the way of you Obstacles—what stands in the way of you

achieving your objective? (hint—the obstacles achieving your objective? (hint—the obstacles create the conflictcreate the conflict

Strategy—what is your character’s plan to Strategy—what is your character’s plan to overcome the obstacles?overcome the obstacles?

Stakes—what does your character stand to Stakes—what does your character stand to gain or lose?gain or lose?

Outcome—what is the result of the action Outcome—what is the result of the action (strategy) your character takes (in the scene…(strategy) your character takes (in the scene…monologue…the whole play)?monologue…the whole play)?

Marking your beatsMarking your beats

When analyzing a monologue (or a When analyzing a monologue (or a scene), you can divide your character’s scene), you can divide your character’s changing emotions into changing emotions into beatsbeatsBeat: Beat: the smallest emotional unit for a the smallest emotional unit for a

character in a scenecharacter in a sceneDetermined by the actorDetermined by the actorSometimes creates a pause in the lineSometimes creates a pause in the lineEach beat should correspond to a new emotion Each beat should correspond to a new emotion

felt by the characterfelt by the characterBy dividing a scene or monologue into beats, you By dividing a scene or monologue into beats, you

can create emotional levelscan create emotional levels

Blocking a MonologueBlocking a Monologue

Blocking: the process of planning and Blocking: the process of planning and coordinating any movement on the coordinating any movement on the stagestageIn a play, blocking in determined by the In a play, blocking in determined by the

director and becomes a collaborative director and becomes a collaborative process with the actorsprocess with the actors

For a monologue, the actor must block For a monologue, the actor must block himself.himself.

Blocking a MonologueBlocking a Monologue

Rules for BlockingRules for BlockingNever move without a purposeNever move without a purposeCheck the stage directions—sometimes Check the stage directions—sometimes

the playwright has ideas about where the playwright has ideas about where and when to moveand when to moveThese are not law; however, you must make These are not law; however, you must make

the final decision.the final decision.

Understanding Stage Understanding Stage DirectionsDirections

All stage directions are written from All stage directions are written from the perspective of the actor as he the perspective of the actor as he faces the audience.faces the audience.SR: stage rightSR: stage rightSL: stage leftSL: stage leftC: center stageC: center stageU:upstage (or away from the audience)U:upstage (or away from the audience)D: downstage (or toward the audience)D: downstage (or toward the audience)

Stage AreasStage Areas

Stage is generally divided into 9 locationsStage is generally divided into 9 locations