Characterization Intro to Drama

Characterization Involves more than just pretending to be a character in a scene or play You need to make others believe that you are someone else

“An actor’s art is like a beggar’s bag…he should pick up everything he comes across.” -Sakata Tojuro

Observation Good actors are very observant They use what they observe to help create original characters Look for: ways to walk, sit, stand, carry weight, mannerisms, habits, ways people talk interesting external characteristics

External vs Internal Characteristics External: Things you can see (previous slide) Internal: Things like life experiences, personality, intelligence, educational opps, personal interests, job, mental/emotional health, beliefs, values, wants, needs, etc.

Mannerisms Mannerisms: unconscious habits or peculiarities (nail biting, teeth grinding, twisting a lock of hair, raising an eyebrow)

Try to “collect” as many diff. qualities as you can to create a whole new character Ex. British accent heard on TV, the way the man in the grocery store walked, and the way my history teacher pushes up his glasses and shifts his weight from foot to foot (combine for a new character)

Homework People Watch Assignment: You must go to a public place for 15 mins. to observe people. You should record your observations. Try to collect as many different qualities as you can (minimum of 20 different external characteristics and mannerisms)

Stock Character A familiar character who is the same type of character in every play Ex. the villain, the hero, the fool, the heroine

Stereotypical Character A familiar character identified by an oversimplified pattern of behavior that typically labels the character as being part of a group of people Ex. politician, cheer leader, TV evangelist, jock

Modern Stock & Stereotypical Characters Psychiatristsecret agent Handsome movie starclumsy waiter Cowboyphotographer Rich socialitedistrict attorney Nannycab driver Gangsterflight attendant Dentistrock star School principalclown Military officerlibrarian Writer/poetsnoopy neighbor

Activity Choose one from the previous slide How do you walk, talk, act as that character? What is his/her name? occupation? Hometown? Reason for visiting this classroom? Improvise a reason for coming to our class today (as your character) and we will respond.