Characterisation

Develop and portray a character on stage

Developing a Character

Characterisation is the process of creating a believable character on stage. An actor thinks about their character's personality, history, motivations, voice and physicality. How does this person walk? What do they want? What are they afraid of? These questions bring characters to life.

Example

Character Development

To build a character, ask: • Who am I? (age, name, job) • What do I want in this scene? (goal/motivation) • How do I feel? (emotion) • How do I move? (posture, speed, gestures) • How do I speak? (fast/slow, loud/soft, accent) Exercise: Walk as an elderly person, then as a confident teenager, then as a shy child. Notice how everything changes.

Note

Remember

A good actor doesn't just memorise lines — they understand WHY their character says and does things. Motivation drives behaviour. Physical choices (posture, gestures, pace) tell the audience as much as words. Stay in character from entrance to exit.

Key Vocabulary

CharacterisationCreating a believable character through voice, body and thought

MotivationWhat a character wants or what drives their actions

PhysicalityHow a character uses their body (posture, movement)

BackstoryA character's history before the play begins

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Characterisation

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