What defines a character?
Think of characters from books and movies you enjoy, what are defining features and characteristics?
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.
YOU MUST HAVE
A NAME
THREE ELEMENTS OF APPEARANCE
THREE ELEMENTS OF SPEECH
THREE GOALS
IF YOU FINISH, ALSO ADD
DESCRIPTION OF HOW YOUR CHARACTER MOVES
THREE RELATIONSHIPS YOUR CHARACTER HAS
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!
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.
How?
By asking questions.
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!
QUESTIONS
(Generated by the class)
-
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!
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.
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.
Please answer each of these questions as part of your work.