Back to Basics Lesson 2 – Characterisation and motifs

Learning objectives By the end of the lessons pupils will have: By the end of the lessons pupils will have: Recapped the drama skills essential for effective characterisation Recapped the drama skills essential for effective characterisation Explored the idea of character signatures/motifs Explored the idea of character signatures/motifs Considered how to differentiate between characters Considered how to differentiate between characters

In pairs you have 2 minutes to discuss the following questions What makes an engaging/watchable character? What drama skills do we have to use to create an effective characterisation?

An engaging character will usually be: 1. Easily identifiable 2. Likeable in some way (for example they might provide comedy) 3. Consistent and sustained (no corpsing!) 4. Confident on the stage e.g. know what they are doing at all times

The most important characterisation skills are: Vocal expression – pitch, pace, power and pause Our use of body – posture, gesture, facial expressions and gait Dialogue – what we say

The party game! One of the group is hosting a party – who ever plays this role can be themselves BUT they must be a good host/hostess e.g. welcome guests at the door, offer drinks, don’t leave guests on their own, introduce guests to one another etc. One of the group is hosting a party – who ever plays this role can be themselves BUT they must be a good host/hostess e.g. welcome guests at the door, offer drinks, don’t leave guests on their own, introduce guests to one another etc. There will be 5 ‘guests’ a the party who arrive individually. Without saying who they are or what their job is, they must use their characterisation skills to make it obvious who they are There will be 5 ‘guests’ a the party who arrive individually. Without saying who they are or what their job is, they must use their characterisation skills to make it obvious who they are Let’s take a look! Let’s take a look!

Group improvisation Using your super-duper characterisation skills you are now going to create a short improvisation based on the following characters: Character A is a 30 something, successful business person. They are confident, well spoken and ruthless. They do not care who they upset as long as they get what the want. Character B is a middle aged librarian. They are very quiet, try to keep everybody happy and dislike confrontation. They would always do a good turn for you. Character C is in their 20s and completely dizzy. They are very forgetful, often get confused and occasionally laugh nervously. They are well meaning but tend to get on peoples nerves. Character D is a 90 year old war veteran. They are very proper, believe strongly in discipline and have a tendency to shout when they talk. Without realising it they can seem quite aggressive.

Suggested settings A bus stop A bus stop A pub A pub A supermarket A supermarket A laundrette A laundrette A party A party A football match A football match A neighbourhood watch meeting A neighbourhood watch meeting A bingo hall A bingo hall A job interview A job interview

Signatures/motifs A signature/motif is an action, gesture or even catch phrase that your character uses repeatedly A signature/motif is an action, gesture or even catch phrase that your character uses repeatedly These are a way of making your character clearer and showing their personality These are a way of making your character clearer and showing their personality If you are multi role-playing, using a signature/motif helps to differentiate between your characters If you are multi role-playing, using a signature/motif helps to differentiate between your characters Can you think of a signature that would be suitable for a stressed businessman or a vain woman? Can you think of a signature that would be suitable for a stressed businessman or a vain woman? Now try to give a signature/motif to your character Now try to give a signature/motif to your character

Evaluating the work In your groups I would like you to give a mark between 1 and 5 for the performance – 1 is low and 5 is high! You need to justify this mark with 3 comments which are a mixture of positive ones and areas for improvement Do not forget that the focus is on the quality of their characterisation

Plenary What skills do we need to create effective characterisations? What is a signature/motif? How have your drama skills developed during this lesson?