Characterisation Techniques

Mantle of the expert

Giving witness

Speaking through the image

Role on the wall

Character Cards

Use of prop

Role Play

Improvisation

Voices in the head

Writing in role

Hot seating

Thought tunnel

Thought Tracking

A profile which charts the attitudes, background and beliefs of a character

Drama devised without script

A means of exploring attitudes or beliefs

Questioning a character in role

Recall of words said by others about a character or situation

writing from the point of view of your character

An aid to characterisation: the character speaks their thoughts out loud

Character(s) walk past other actors who comment on their situation

Character is interviewed about events they saw/experienced

Actor in role as an expert on a topic imparts fats/information about that topic

Outline of a body is filled in with the internal and external influences on a role/character

Visualisation exercise

Role-reverse

Actors adopt opposite attitudes and beliefs to that of their character in improv

Usually guided by director/teacher as a form of meditation, actor consider their characters circumstances to allow them to visualise that character's situation

Actors use props to build their belief in their role

Character step out of a still image to their thought aloud