1. CHARACTERIZATION Theatre Arts Unit 3 Mr. Walker

2. What is Characterization? Characterization refers to the creation of a character by an actor or actress. When a performer creates a character, he or she might go about this a few ways: – Real-life experiences or people – Combinations of characters the actor is aware of – Research No matter how an actor creates a character, the character must be unique to the actor – Plays would be boring if all of the characters were the same…much like in real life

3. What is Characterization? Learning lines, incorporating staging, and crafting a believable character are the actor’s objectives from the first read-through of a script. The process of creating charismatic characters originates with the actor’s understanding of his or her own feelings. How the actor manifests the character’s distinguishing traits, features, and motivations are what make creating characters an art.

4. Imagining Activity Complete the following in your notes: – Imagine yourself as one of the characters in any of the plays you have read (or viewed) so far. – In one short paragraph, describe "your" bedroom, wallet, purse or other personal space from the perspective of that character (for example: as Westley from The Princess Bride, describe Westley’s room. It is messy? Neat? What kinds of things are found?)

5. Imagining Activity This is one way in which actors can begin to access character. Now note clues from the play that inform you of this character's perspectives. – How do you know he or she is messy or neat? – How do you know what artifacts are found there?

6. Objectives & Obstacles When characters in plays want things, they often must do intricate and extravagant things to get them. To the actor, these needs and desires are called objectives. – What does Princess Buttercup want (from The Princess Bride)? What about Inigo Montoya? Westley? – These kinds of complex objectives make plays and characters interesting and make them enjoyable to watch. When things get in the way of characters' objectives, they are called obstacles. Obstacles make plays interesting by adding that essential ingredient of drama: CONFLICT. Without conflict, you don't have a play.

7. Characters Different Characters created by Actors

8. Who’s the Actor?

9. Who are the Characters?

10. Who’s the Actress?

11. Who are the Characters?

12. Who’s the Actor?

13. Who is the Character?

14. Who’s the Actress?

15. Who is the Character?

16. How Do You Feel? Feelings are very powerful for an actor to develop. A feeling is an emotional or physical response to an experience. A feeling is neither right nor wrong. A feeling just is. Let’s name some emotions, and how you would react when feeling these emotions…

17. In-Depth Character Profiles **You don’t have to take notes on this—it’s an activity!** This activity will help you work on getting in touch with a character. Select ONE of the following characters and on a clean sheet of paper, write down his/her/its name at the top of the page: – Santa Claus, Superman, Wonder Woman, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie Brown, Spongebob Squarepants, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Batman, Catwoman

18. In-Depth Character Profiles Now, take about 10 minutes and answer the following questions for your chosen character: – Your Character’s Name – What are your character’s External Traits – Which of your character’s external traits are similar to your own? – What are your character’s Internal Traits – Which of your character’s internal traits are similar to your own? – What is your character’s primary objective or motivation? – What obstacles stand in the way? – What tactics does the character use to overcome these obstacles?

19. In-Depth Character Profiles Sharing—any volunteers?

20. In-Depth Character Profiles Now, on the backside of your paper, draw your character to the best of your ability. Note: you are not being graded on how perfect the drawing is, but rather how accurately you incorporate the answers to your questions in the picture.