Characterisation

Developing a character can sometimes seem to be the most difficult of tasks to complete, whether you’re considering a part to audition for, attempting the lead role or playing a member of the chorus, you need to develop your character.

Here are a few tips and ideas that may assist you.

When considering your character there are two key aspects that can help; their past and their presence in the play.

Their Past

Think about their past, what made them who they are in the story you are to portray. You need to make up a plausible story that leads up to the play/story you are going to act in. Think about the events and experiences that moulded the person you are to become. For example:

Where did you live?

What school did you go to?

How well did you get on at school?

Parents – what are their names?

Did you have brothers and sisters?

What jobs did you have?

What specific events impacted on you?

There are a multitude of other questions you might ask yourself to help establish your characters past. The level of detail you go in to is your choice.

Their Presence

Within the play or story you will react and interact with other characters throughout. In order to understand your characters involvement in the story you may find it useful to consider these questions:

What is my appearance like?

How do others react to me?

How do I react to the others?

How do the events and experiences from my past effect me now?

Again there are a myriad of questions you might ask to understand who your character is.

I hope these ideas help and wish you the best of luck.