Creating Characters

[ConspiracyPenguin]

How do you go about creating characters? Do you actually develop a character for your role or do you read it like it is you. For me, I enjoy very defined characters. Someone who is not "normal" and has a unique way of behaving. This way, I can really turn into that person and provide a solid performance - plus it is a hell of a lot more fun. On the other hand, if you want me to play John Smith, sometimes it is hard to develop a set in stone character and I find myself performing like it is me. This works fine once I get into it, but it is not as good or enjoyable as the other way.

Thoughts? Techniques? Discussion? Go!

[Tom Marshall]

I played Stu Noonan in "Talk Radio" a few years ago and I really developed the character based on Michael J. Fox... After the show, one of the other actor's mom came up to me and said, "Wow, that was great! You reminded me of Michael J. Fox!"

[ConspiracyPenguin]

At least someone finally responded to one of my threads. :frustrated:

That is pretty cool Tommy.

[Tom Marshall]

huh?

[RodThompson]

Personally, I try to take myself away from all that I know to get into character. No matter what it is. The character I'm playing doesn't know what I've done that day, nor does it know any of my friends, or relatives. It's a different person.

So I will use time to convince myself that the world my character lives in, is my world. Based on how the script is written, I'll find the right voice, tone and mannerisms, and then flesh out my character in the mirror.

Then I teach myself to turn it off after they yell, "Cut!"

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Then I teach myself to turn it off after they yell, "Cut!"

Ah, herin lies my problem. When doing improv I get so carried away sometimes that for weeks on end I will be in a constant state of acting. Sometimes it annoys my acting friends and sometimes they love it.

[slimchrisp]

Ah, herin lies my problem. When doing improv I get so carried away sometimes that for weeks on end I will be in a constant state of acting. Sometimes it annoys my acting friends and sometimes they love it.

i don't know, that could be good. daniel day lewis apparently becomes a character and stays in character during an entire shoot. and he doesn't exactly suck.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

i don't know, that could be good. daniel day lewis apparently becomes a character and stays in character during an entire shoot. and he doesn't exactly suck.

He is a fantastic actor. I didn't mean it was a bad thing - I have a good time - I guess the negative is that people get tired of me. But, then again, you are ALL probably tired of me by now.

[slimchrisp]

But, then again, you are ALL probably tired of me by now.

lol. nah, can't ever be tired of the penguin.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

lol. nah, can't ever be tired of the penguin.

Well that's one of you! What is this thread about again? Characters!

Creating characters...