1. Characterization
The Elements of Acting

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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