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What defines a character?

Think of characters from books and movies you enjoy, what are defining features and characteristics?

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ex: I like poppy from trolls because she's always super positive no matter what, and she sings a lot.

Your task

 Grab a piece of paper and copy the words below.  These are categories. As we observe our character videos try and find three words for each category.  The example below is for Poppy!

"Appearance

Colorful

Small

Soft

"Speech

Confident

Musical

Positive

"Goal"

To Save Everyone

To cheer up her friends

To sing a lot

NOw do your own

Max

Where the wild things are

"Appearance

"Speech

"Goal"

WIlber

REscuers down under

"Appearance

"Speech

"Goal"

Lilo or Stitch

lilo and stitch

"Appearance

"Speech

"Goal"

OUR GOAL

TO CREATE AN ORIGINAL  CHARACTER

We will spend the rest of class in groups, helping each other to create characters that have defined characteristics. You will continue to develop these characters over the next week or two, your ultimate goal will be to totally embody your character within a scene or interview.

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YOU MUST HAVE

A NAME

THREE ELEMENTS OF APPEARANCE

THREE ELEMENTS OF SPEECH

THREE  GOALS

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IF YOU FINISH, ALSO ADD

DESCRIPTION OF HOW YOUR CHARACTER MOVES

THREE RELATIONSHIPS YOUR CHARACTER HAS

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PLEASE DO NOT

TELL ME YOU'RE FINISHED.

This is going to be a process! Give yourself permission to change your mind, try new things, and adapt as you go!

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CHARACTER STUDY

PART TWO

Knowledge and understanding of your character is crucial. If you are playing an existing character, that knowledge exists in the script, but if you are creating a character from scratch that means you've got to make those decisions yourself.

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How?

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By asking questions.

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PREP

Pretend a friend is someone you don't know very well. A new student at school, a neighbor moving in next door, an unexpected guest at a party. What kind of questions do you ask in order to get to know them?

Come up with at least three!

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Part Two

QUESTIONS

(Generated by the class)

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  • What is your name?

  • How are you?

  • How old are you?

  • Where are you from?

  • What's your favorite color?

  • Do you have any pets? What are they?

  • Do you have any siblings?

  • What do you do for fun?

  • Do you want to be my friend?

  • Do you play any sports?

  • Do I know you?

  • Do you know anyone here?

  • What is your favorite food? (and why)

  • What is your favorite animal? (and why)

  • What is your favorite book/movie? (and why)

In your groups, help each other practice and develop your character and performance. Your character should have an answer to each of these questions! 

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Next time we meet we will stage a character interview, you will come to class dressed as your character, ready to have a full conversation as that person.

Part Three

CHARACTER STUDY

PART THREE

You and your scene partner will work independently to develop your original scene. If you have questions please ask, but otherwise you will work on your own.

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Please answer each of these questions as part of your work.

Scene Questions

Great Job! Keep rehearsing your scene!

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