The Myth Of Creating A Character Quiz

1. True emotions arise from an occupied and oriented body.

True

False

Howard Fine states that in a show like ER, one may notice that the characters are coming from and going somewhere.
Additionally, they effectively use props.
Fine summarizes that "when you are really doing something, really using something, really having a conversation, you find that your belief in the circumstances are much stronger than just standing space-less-ly in the middle of the room and trying to connect." Hence, effective use of props can elevate a performance and provide truthful activity for the actor.

Explanation

Howard Fine states that in a show like ER, one may notice that the characters are coming from and going somewhere.
Additionally, they effectively use props.
Fine summarizes that "when you are really doing something, really using something, really having a conversation, you find that your belief in the circumstances are much stronger than just standing space-less-ly in the middle of the room and trying to connect." Hence, effective use of props can elevate a performance and provide truthful activity for the actor.

2. Audience members and actors alike respond emotionally to specificity.

True

False

Think of a memorable moment in your life. For example, articulate your most embarrassing moment and/or your saddest and or funniest moment. The common denominator in your descriptions will be detail. Moments that are memorable to us, regardless of the span of time that has past, are quite detailed. We remember colors, smells, words, and images. By simply speaking about are fondest memory, we embark upon a journey in which we mentally recreate our experiences. As audience members, actors, and everyday people, specificity is far more memorable, hence more powerful than the mundane actions of ordinary life.

Explanation

Think of a memorable moment in your life. For example, articulate your most embarrassing moment and/or your saddest and or funniest moment. The common denominator in your descriptions will be detail. Moments that are memorable to us, regardless of the span of time that has past, are quite detailed. We remember colors, smells, words, and images. By simply speaking about are fondest memory, we embark upon a journey in which we mentally recreate our experiences. As audience members, actors, and everyday people, specificity is far more memorable, hence more powerful than the mundane actions of ordinary life.

3. A strong objective will move you away from "subconsciousness" and move you into true action.

True

False

Howard Fine states that "most people have to deal with their subconsciousness", hence, to get away from this ill-advised habit one must have developed a strong objective. Fine also states that as an actor one must constantly think "what do I want to change?" and "What effect do I want to have on the other person?". Accordingly, as an actor you will have an objective (what you want), an obstacle (what stands in your way of achieving your objective), and actions (what you are going to do to get what you want).

Explanation

Howard Fine states that "most people have to deal with their subconsciousness", hence, to get away from this ill-advised habit one must have developed a strong objective. Fine also states that as an actor one must constantly think "what do I want to change?" and "What effect do I want to have on the other person?". Accordingly, as an actor you will have an objective (what you want), an obstacle (what stands in your way of achieving your objective), and actions (what you are going to do to get what you want).

4. General understanding of a character is sufficient to understanding and creating a character.

True

False

Remember, as actors, we must move from generality to specificity. In order to truly build character and uncover the subtext of the character wants, (their objectives and super objective), we must research to understand the foundation in which we are to build. If an actor is really connected to the specifics of a character, then he/she becomes closer to executing acting techniques that is believable. Remember, Stanislavsky defined acting as "living truthfully in imagined circumstances."

Explanation

Remember, as actors, we must move from generality to specificity. In order to truly build character and uncover the subtext of the character wants, (their objectives and super objective), we must research to understand the foundation in which we are to build. If an actor is really connected to the specifics of a character, then he/she becomes closer to executing acting techniques that is believable. Remember, Stanislavsky defined acting as "living truthfully in imagined circumstances."

5. You must judge a character in order to truly understand a character.

True

False

You should avoid judging a character in which you are to portray. Actress Stacy Keanon stated that " if you are to play a murderer or a vampire or a villain, you don't put the stamp on that person as evil or a villain, because lots of us are walking around in the world and we're villains and were evil, but no one thinks of themselves that way."

Explanation

You should avoid judging a character in which you are to portray. Actress Stacy Keanon stated that " if you are to play a murderer or a vampire or a villain, you don't put the stamp on that person as evil or a villain, because lots of us are walking around in the world and we're villains and were evil, but no one thinks of themselves that way."