Characterization The Elements of Acting

What do we need to know as actors about our character? Background How did the character become the person they are today? Things to Consider: home country/state/city; values/morals; family; job, et cetera Clues given by the playwright in the script (dialogue AND stage directions) - Political, Social, Religious Economic Environments - Date, Time, Season, Locale Given Circumstances Psychological and Emotional Attributes Is the character smart or not so bright? Is he/she happy or sad? This area covers all emotional characteristics.

What do we need to know as actors about our character? Physical description of the character – skinny or large; tall or short; hair color/cut, eye color, facial features, et cetera Physical Attributes Relationships What is the relationship of your character to others in the play? Is your character liked/disliked/hated/loved? Status How important is the character? Is their status high, medium, or low? Does it change during the play? Status Quo What are the present conditions for your character? How does this affect your character?

How do we find this information? Character Analysis Answer questions about the character What are some questions to ask about your character? Imagination If information is not given to you, you have to create the details Make choices as an actor Final decision is up to the director Observations Observing people in your life will help you create “real” characters Script Analysis Closely examine the script to find all information from the playwright

Example. . . A-B Scene (Contentless Scene/Open Scene) During the scene. . . While watching the A-B scene, pay attention to the actors and look closely at the choices they are making. Be sure to look for: Background Emotional Attributes Physical Attributes Given Circumstances Status Quo Status https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wWIl54a83pc