Lesson 3 - Crafting Memorable Characters
Character Development and Analysis
“Storytelling is about two things;
it’s about character and plot.”
George Lucas
Crafting memorable characters is the main job of the actor. It requires an actor to develop their skill and creativity through dedication to their craft. Actors have the unique ability to bring fictional personas to life, capturing the essence of a character and immersing audiences in their stories. The process of character development involves creating a multi-dimensional individual with a unique personality, motivations, and emotions. Through thorough analysis and understanding, actors can breathe life into these characters, making them relatable, compelling, and memorable.
Character Development
Character development is the foundation upon which memorable performances are built. It involves a deep exploration of a character’s background, traits, and experiences, enabling actors to portray them convincingly on screen or stage. To develop a character effectively, actors engage in various techniques and strategies.
German-American actress and theater practitioner, Uta Hagen, developed a great technique for helping actors develop their characters. We will dig deeper into her process in Final Act Drama’s 3rd series, The Professional Actor. Until then, lets cover…
Uta Hagen summarized the steps to developing a character into 6 steps. An actor needs to begin this process the moment they get a script for an audition as they go through the first read through. By asking yourself these questions, you are defining the target of who the character “IS”. It is only after you know who they are, can you begin the process of becoming that character. Here we go!
Six steps to building a character!
Who am I? – This question’s answer includes all relevant details from name and age to physical traits, education, and beliefs.
What are the circumstances? – What time is it? Depending on the scene, the most relevant measure of time can be the era, the season, the day, or even the specific minute. Where am I? This answer covers the country, town, neighborhood, room, or even the specific part of the room. What surrounds me? Characters can be surrounded by anything from weather to furnishings, landscape, or people. What are the circumstances? Given circumstances include what has happened before, what is happening now, and what will happen to a character in the future.
What are my relationships? – Relationships can be with other characters in the story, inanimate objects, or even recent events.
What do I want? – This is the most important question! We have to know what our character wants in order to understand their motivations throughout the story. Wants can be what the character desires in the moment, or in the overall course of the story. Spend some time here making sure you find the truth of the character’s desires and wants.
What is my obstacle? This is the actor’s chance to understand the obstacles the character must react to and overcome. What is keeping me from getting what I want? Most of the plot centers around overcoming the obstacle in front of the character.
What do I do to get what I want? – The “do” here means physical action. How can I achieve my objective? What is my behavior? This is the specific “How” does the character overcome the obstacle that is in the way of the character’s “Want”.
Exercise
Download a script off the internet from a film that you have not seen. You can also use a script from a current project that you are auditioning or preparing for. Read the script from beginning to end to do a character breakdown as you develop your character. Answer the 6 questions above before you start any memorization or preparation for the role. Take notes along the way! Don’t short cut this process! This is the main job of the actor and it is a process you have to get familiar with and good at if you are to break into this competitive industry.
Script Analysis
The first step in character development is a thorough analysis of the script. Actors examine the dialogue, actions, relationships, and overall narrative to gain insights into their character’s journey and purpose within the story. We need to identify key moments, conflicts, and objectives, which serve as guiding points for their performance.
Backstory Creation: Identifying or creating a backstory for your character allows actors to understand the events and experiences that shape their character’s personality. They explore the character’s upbringing, relationships, traumas, and significant life events, filling in the gaps left by the script. This backstory informs their choices, actions, and emotional reactions throughout the performance.
Psychological Exploration: To fully embody a character, actors delve into their psychological makeup. They analyze the character’s motivations, desires, fears, and internal conflicts. Understanding the psychology of a character helps actors portray their emotions authentically, giving depth and complexity to their performances.
Physicality and Voice: Physicality and voice play a crucial role in character development. Actors consider how their character moves, stands, gestures, and speaks. They experiment with different postures, vocal tones, accents, and speech patterns to bring out the unique qualities of their character. These physical and vocal choices contribute to the believability and distinctiveness of the portrayal.
A character that comes to mind is that of Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. In an interview, he explained how he found inspiration for the character.
“In the original screenplay Captain Jack was written as a swashbuckler, a pirate who swings in, sort of fights a little bit and then swings out, grabs a girl and that’s it. I had different ideas for him. This sounds weird but Captain Jack was born in a sauna. My sauna. I was looking at various aspects of the character and I figured this guy has been on the high seas for the majority of his life and therefore has dealt with inescapable heat to the brain. So I cranked the sauna up to about 1000 degrees and sat in there as long as I could until it started to affect me mentally. It was very, very hot, as was my brain. While you’re in there in that kind of heat you can’t stand still, but the worst of it is if you move, it kills you. So that gave me the idea that his brain has been par-boiled to some degree. Also in terms of his body language I felt that when he was on the ship he would be fine as the ship would be bounding away. He would have sea legs, but when he gets on land he cannot get land legs. He would be looking wobbly and Disney disagreed.” – Johnny Depp
Never be afraid to make bold choices with your characters based on your imagination and all the information that you have available to you.
Character Analysis
Character analysis is an essential aspect of an actor’s craft, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the characters they portray. By analyzing the character’s traits, relationships, and arcs, actors can create well-rounded and memorable performances.
Trait Analysis: Actors examine the character’s personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies. They consider how these traits influence the character’s behavior, choices, and interactions with others. By embodying these traits, actors can bring authenticity and consistency to their performances. When we hear how Johnny Depp created Captian Jack Sparrow, (above) we see how much we need to understand our character’s personality and how we need to make creative choices to bring that “Truth” to life.
Relationship Dynamics: Characters exist within a web of relationships. Actors analyze their character’s relationships with other characters to understand the dynamics at play. They explore the emotional connections, conflicts, and power dynamics that shape these relationships. This analysis helps actors build believable chemistry and reactions in scenes.
In the animated adventure film “Up,” (2009) Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy elderly widower (voiced by Ed Asner), and Russell, an enthusiastic young Wilderness Explorer (voiced by Jordan Nagai), form an unexpected and heartwarming relationship. After a series of events, Carl’s house is lifted by balloons, taking him on a grand adventure to South America. Russell unintentionally becomes a stowaway on his flying house. Throughout the journey, they learn to appreciate and understand each other’s perspectives, despite their age difference and contrasting personalities. The bond they share transcends generations, showing the power of friendship and finding companionship in unexpected places.
Arc and Transformation: Characters often undergo transformation or change throughout a story. Actors analyze the character’s arc, identifying the catalysts and turning points that drive this transformation. They explore how the character’s experiences and relationships impact their growth, enabling them to portray the evolution convincingly.
In the epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson, the character Gollum (Andy Serkis) undergoes a compelling character arc. Gollum, originally known as Sméagol, is a creature tormented by the influence of the One Ring. As the story unfolds, we see glimpses of his former self, Sméagol, and witness the internal struggle between his good and evil sides. The film delves deep into the complexities of his character and the destructive power of the Ring.
Emotional Journey: Emotions are a vital aspect of character portrayal. Actors analyze the character’s emotional journey, identifying the range of emotions experienced and the triggers that evoke them. They delve into the character’s emotional state at different points in the story, allowing them to authentically convey the character’s feelings to the audience.
In “Forrest Gump” (1994) we see Forrest’s character journey. At the beginning, he’s this sweet, innocent guy with a unique way of looking at the world. People underestimate him, but he proves that being kind and staying true to yourself can take you far. As the story unfolds, Forrest finds himself in the middle of some major historical events – like meeting presidents and running across the country. But it’s not just about the crazy adventures; it’s about how he handles it all with his heart wide open.
Throughout the film, Forrest goes through ups and downs like anyone else. But what’s so inspiring is how he doesn’t let fame or success change him. He remains the same old Forrest, caring deeply for his friends and always doing the right thing. You see him grow from this awkward boy to a confident and successful guy, but at his core, he’s still that lovable, simple guy we met in the beginning. Forrest Gump’s character arc is like a box of chocolates: unpredictable, delightful, and full of wisdom!
Exercise
Take a script that you are analyzing and answer these 25 questions about your character. Write down the answers in your Actor’s Journal so you have something to refer back to when you feel you are losing your character focus.
What is the character’s backstory and upbringing?
What are the character’s goals and motivations?
What are the character’s strengths and weaknesses?
What is the character’s relationship with other key characters in the story?
What does the character want more than anything in the world?
How does the character feel about themselves?
What are the character’s fears and insecurities?
What is the character’s physicality and body language?
What is the character’s emotional journey throughout the story?
How does the character speak and what is their vocal tone and rhythm?
What are the character’s hobbies and interests?
What are the character’s beliefs and values?
How does the character handle conflicts and challenges?
What is the character’s style and fashion choices?
What is the character’s occupation or profession?
What are the character’s quirks and habits?
What are the character’s relationships with their family and friends?
What is the character’s attitude towards life and the world around them?
How does the character respond to love and heartbreak?
What are the character’s dreams and aspirations?
What is the character’s moral compass?
What are the character’s traumas and past experiences that have shaped them?
How does the character evolve and change over the course of the story?
What are the character’s key moments of transformation or realization?
How can the actor bring authenticity and depth to the character to make them relatable and compelling?
Crafting Memorable Characters
Crafting memorable characters is a collaborative effort between the actor, the director, and the creative team. It requires attention to detail, imagination, and the ability to make bold choices.
Commitment to Truth: Memorable characters resonate with audiences because they feel authentic. Actors must commit to truthfully portraying their characters, grounding them in reality, even in fictional or fantastical settings. This commitment to truth fosters a connection between the character and the audience, making the portrayal more memorable.
Again, referring back to Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow character. Disney was not happy with the early footage they saw of Depp playing Sparrow. Some interpreted his character as insane, others incredibly drunk. It led to several discussions with angry executives trying their best to get Depp to change things up. Depp refused, and said they’d have to fire him if they wanted Sparrow played differently. Firing Depp would’ve been a bad look for Disney so they kept them, and the rest is history.
Unique Interpretation: Actors bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and interpretations to their characters. They infuse their performances with their own creative choices, adding layers of depth and nuance to the portrayal. By bringing something fresh and original to the character, actors contribute to their memorability.
In “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter character was absolutely chilling! What made his interpretation so unique was that calm and composed demeanor he had. He is a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, and he’s always got that eerie, unsettling smile on his face. It’s like he’s playing this psychological game with everyone around him, pulling the strings and messing with their heads. And the way he speaks, so sophisticated and eloquent, even when he’s talking about the most gruesome stuff – it’s both mesmerizing and terrifying! And did you notice how he barely blinks? He’s staring right into your soul! Hopkins really nailed the subtleties of Lecter’s character, making him this enigmatic and complex figure. You never knew what was going on in his mind, and that’s what made him so captivating. You could feel that he was always two steps ahead of everyone else, and it kept you on the edge of your seat. It’s no wonder his performance earned him an Oscar – he brought a whole new dimension to the role of a psychopathic killer, making Hannibal Lecter one of the most iconic movie villains of all time.
Attention to Detail: Memorable characters are often defined by the small details. Actors pay attention to the subtleties of their characters, such as gestures, mannerisms, and vocal inflections. These details create a fully realized individual, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
In “The Dark Knight” (2008) Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker was amazing! He focused on those small details that made the character so iconic. First off, you couldn’t miss that creepy, twisted voice he gave the Joker. It was this unsettling mix of high-pitched laughter and that chilling low tone that sent shivers down your spine. You could tell Ledger really immersed himself in the role, and that voice alone was enough to give you nightmares. But it didn’t stop there. He added other mannerisms and tics like the constant lip-licking and those erratic, twitchy movements. The Joker was an unpredictable, chaotic force of nature. You couldn’t take your eyes off him because you never knew what he’d do next. And let’s not forget those haunting scars on his face – every detail just added to the madness. Ledger really took the character to a whole new level, creating a Joker that was both terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It’s no wonder his performance became legendary and left such a lasting impact on audiences.
