 Characterization is the developing and portraying of a personality through thought, action, speech, costuming, and makeup.  It involves making others believe you are someone else. Your job as an actor is to make the character real for the audience.

 Sometimes when you watch a play, movie, or television show, you recognize a character type and automatically know how that character will act.  These character types that are easy to recognize are known as stock and stereotypical characters.

 A Stock Character is a familiar character who is the same type of character in every play, movie, television show, book, etc.  Stock Characters were an important part of early dramatic traditions, as audiences quickly identified with each character based on what they had seen the characters do or say in previous plays.

 Examples of Stock Characters:  The Villain  The Hero / Heroine  The Voice of Wisdom or Reason  The Fool  The Sidekick  The Helpless Female / Damsel in Distress  The Love Interest  The Traitor

 A Stereotypical Character is a familiar type of character whose label identifies a particular group or segment of society.  Stereotypical Characters are easily recognizable through their actions, characteristics, personality, speaking habits, etc.

 If the labels “jock,” “old lady,” “bully,” or “cowboy” automatically bring to mind visual images, then those particular character types have become stereotyped for you.  When creating characters, it’s important to avoid negative ideas concerning occupation, race, gender, age, ethnicity, or religion.  Negative stereotypes result when groups or people or individuals are misrepresented in a discriminatory or prejudicial way.

 Examples of Stereotypical Characters:  Rock Star  Rich Socialite  Clumsy Waiter  Noisy Neighbor  Military Officer  Stern Teacher  Brave Hero

 On your index card write your name and either a stock or stereotypical character.  Write down the way your character would walk, talk and act.  Give yourself a name, occupation, hometown, and a reason for visiting the class.  In character, introduce yourself to the class.

 Brave Hero  Secret Agent  Rock Star  Powerful Businessman  Stern Teacher  Nosey Neighbor  Over-protective Parent  Beauty Pageant Contestant  Drill Sergeant  Private Detective  Talk Show Host  King/Queen  Hilbilly  Athlete  Rich Socialite  Southern Belle  Class Clown  Butler  Juvenile Delinquent  Mad Scientist  Strict Principal  Famous Movie Star  Nerd/Geek  Politician  Librarian