1. Characterisation techniques
Nat 4/5

2. What is a characterisation techniques?
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.
Characterisation Techniques help an actor to investigate and develop their character

3. Some Techniques… Character Card Role on the Wall Writing in Role
Thought Tracking
Thought Tunnel
Angels & Demons
Voices in the head
Hot Seating

4. Character Card
A record, based on your research, thoughts & ideas, about how you will play your character in your performance.
A Character Card should include:
Name, Age, occupation
Appearance
Relationship with other characters in the drama
Personality
How you will use voice & movement

5. Hot seating Answering questions whilst in role
The questions are directed to you as a ‘character’ not as an ‘actor’
You must take on your character fully to answer the questions i.e. with appropriate use of voice and body language

6. Writing in role Writing from the perspective of your characters….
Letter
Blog/diary
Text message
Facebook status/Twitter Update

7. Thought tracking
When a character speaks his or her inner thoughts out loud.
Usually done when the action is frozen (still image)

8. Thought tunnel Not to be confused with thought tracking!!
During an improvisation a ‘tunnel’ is created with all the characters on either side. Each individual character walks through the tunnel and ‘hears’ what each of the characters feels about him/her

9. Angels & Demons
If a character has a decision to make, an ’angel’ tries to persuade the character to make the ‘right’ or ’moral’ decision and the demon tries to persuade the character to make the ‘wrong’ or ‘immoral’ choice.