CHAPTER 9

ARTISTIC SELECTIVITY

CONFLICT

DUAL ROLE

EXTERNAL TRAITS

INTERNAL TRAITS

MOTIVATION

OBJECTIVES

OUTCOME

OBSTACLE

STAKES

OBJECTIVES

• To detect clues about character from dramatic text, including physical and emotional traits
• To delineate and specify emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a character.
• To articulate with precision character motivation, objective and obstacle.
• To prepare and perform a scene involving distinct characters.

PREVIEW: ACTOR-AS-CHARACTER

• The actor has a dual role: Actor-as-Character and Actor-as-Actor
• to be convincung onstage, you must use your imagination and work to analyze and develop your character
• You must maintain your belief in what you as the character is doing, saying, and feeling.
• You must think what the character thinks and concentrate on fulfilling their goals, or objectives.

PREVIEW: ACTOR-AS-ACTOR

• As an actor, you must maintain technical control and a professional attitude at all times.
• Technical control includes using correct vocal production techniques to be heard, being aware of staging, etc.
• The actor's dual roles must work together to create believable characterization.
• This is a process: it takes time and preparation.

PREVIEW: DEVELOPING A CHARACTER

• To be an effective onstage presence, you have to know hundreds of things about your character.
• You will not be able to portray all of these onstage.
• Use artistic selectivity to choose the really important aspects of the character & how to communicate them.
• The additional details are subtext that add fullness to your character.
• Harness your character's emotions and avoid overacting.

PREVIEW: MOTIVATION AND CONFLICT

• A character in a play needs a specific reason, or MOTIVATION, for doing or saying anything.
• Motivation determines your character's OBJECTIVES.
• Whatever 's in the way of your objectives is an OBSTACLE. This is the essence of CONFLICT-the basis of drama.
• The OUTCOME of a conflict is the result of the steps a character takes to overcome their obstacles.
• What the character has to gain or lose as a result of the outcome are the STAKES.

PREVIEW: THE CHARACTER INSIDE AND OUT

• It is important that you understand a character's internal and external traits.
• To determine internal traits, find out the character's background .
• Background info includes: family circumstances, environment, occupation, education, hobbies, etc.
• You must also know your character's emotional reactions to these circumstances.

THREE TYPES OF INTERNAL TRAITS

• Mental characteristics (intelligent, clever, dull, slow, average)
• Spiritual qualities (ideals, ethical code, beliefs, attitude towards others and life)
• Emotional characteristics (confident, happy, sullen, cynical, etc. Likes/dislikes)

FIVE TYPES OF EXTERNAL TRAITS

• Posture- How does the character stand? (Confidence, timidity, awkwardness, grace)
• Movement/Gestures- Poise, nervousness, weakness, strength. Also, age, health, attitude
• Mannerisms- Gestures that reveal personality (nail biting, gum chewing, head scratching)
• Voice- Dialect or vocal mannerisms
• Mode of dress- Neat, casual, prim, sloppy

PREPARE: CREATE A HIGH-STAKES SCENARIO (WITH A PARTNER)

• Work with a partner to improvise a scene (suggestions on p. 95)
• The two characters will come into conflict over a physical object
• Decide where and when the scene takes place
• Decide the relationship between the two characters, shared history
• Decide the outcome, but don't "script" the scene- the dialogue and actions are improvised

PREPARE: CREATE A HIGH-STAKES SCENARIO (ON YOUR OWN)

• Discover the internal/external traits for your character
• What are your character's motivations? (Why?)
• What are your character's objectives? (How?)
• What are the stakes for your character? (If/Then)