Overview

Characterization is developing and portraying a character so that the character is believable to an audience. Many beginning theatre students pick stereotypical or stock characters to portray because that is easier for them, but as one progresses as an actor, one should develop more original characters. Observation is a key element in creating a character. Observing other people's movements, mannerisms, speech, etc., can help theatre students develop their own characters. Thinking about other people's desires and motives may also help one develop one's own characters more thoroughly.

Writing an original monologue is a helpful tool for analyzing a character that one is developing. Monologue writing is also a good way to develop a “life story” for an original character. Of course, the ultimate purpose for writing a monologue is to perform it. The monologue should be memorized and rehearsed before it is presented.