Characterisation Techniques

Vocabulary

(Use it or lose it)

A Definition…• Characterisation is the process of developing a role into

a character.

• When creating a character, thought should be given to developing appropriate and distinctive language, voice and movement characteristics.

• Theatre arts – Costume, Make-up and Props can be utilised to present a character.

• Techniques to investigate and develop character include:-

Role-play

• A means of exploring attitudes and beliefs

Improvisation

• Exploring how a character would act and react in a variety of situations

Character Card

• Detailed information about a character

Writing-in-role

• Writing a diary/letter etc from perspective of character.

Hot Seating

• Questioning a character in role

Thought Tracking

• The character speaks their thoughts out loud.

Thought Tunnel

• Characters walk past other characters who comment on their situation.

You’ve done it

now

You can’t go back

You fool.

Wait till the others find out.

What will you do now?

Voices in the head

• Recall of words said by others about a character or situation.

“She’s just like

her mother.”

“You will never be a

winner”“How could you

be so stupid?”

Status

• A character’s importance relative to others. Characters are interesting when their status is threatened or altered.

Stereotype

• An exaggerated portrayal of a type of person.

Other considerations..

• The character’s relationships with others in the drama.

• The social, economic and cultural background of the character.

Characters/Roles

Roles• Thief• Murderer• Son/Brother• Landlady• Boxer• Manic Depressive• Tycoon• Young Wizard

Characters• Aladdin

• Sweeney Todd• Bart Simpson

• Kat Moon• Rocky Balboa• Stacey Slater

• Montgomery Burns• Harry Potter