This post is mainly to help myself past a "hump", but I'm also hoping that by writing this I can help others experiencing the same issue. I'm working on a scene in my acting class in which I discuss my relationship with another character who isn't physically in the scene. When you have that character in the scene with you, it's a bit easier to build a relationship because you have a live person to work. However, for the purposes of class, you might encounter a scene where you have to talk about another character, but we don't see that character in the scene. In this case, it's left purely to imagination to create that relationship. Sounds difficult, right? That's because it is! So currently, I have a general idea of the character I need have a clear relationship with in order to make this scene work. However, I want the character and my relationship with him to be more specific so I can play freely in the scene and feel confident as my character. Here are my suggestions (to myself and to others) on how to get really specific when developing a relationship with a character, such as a boyfriend, who isn't physically in the scene.
- Know the Facts - First things first, know the facts. Read through the script multiple times and look for all the information that it gives you about the character and your relationship with him/her. Even write things down as you go through the script. Things such as how long you've been dating, what his occupation is, what your living situation is, if he has siblings or if he's an only child, where your fist date was at, etc.
- (Note: Write only the facts, not any feelings or emotions you may be having. You want those emotions to surface during the scene. Writing has a tendency to act as a sort of therapy for people. So by writing down how you feel about something, you are releasing those emotions to make you feel better. This would be great in real life! But this is acting, and in acting you want all those emotions built up inside of you.)
- Fill in the Blanks - Once you've read through the script several times, figure out what information you're missing. Maybe the script didn't tell you how you first met or maybe you're not sure what his family is like. Spend some time creating whatever information you need to fill in the blanks so that you know as much about him/her as you can.
- (Note: Keep in mind that if you're filling in the blanks using your imagination, that everything you come up with should still be in story, meaning it should not conflict with the story. The pieces that you make up should fit seamlessly within what the script has already given you.)
- Use Your Senses - Now that you know intellectually everything there is to know about the character that you have a relationship with, you need to make it visceral. To do this, use your five senses. Trying exploring questions such as:
- What does he/she small like?
- What does his/her voice sound like?
- What does is feel like when you two embrace?
- (Note: An acting coach once told me, "Your homework should always move you in some way. If your homework doesn't affect your breathing, then you're not doing it right.")
- Create Memories - A relationship is built on memories, specific moments that you've shared together. What was it like when you first met this person? How did he ask you on your first date? What was your first kiss like? When did you first say "I love you"?
- Create Fantasies - Do you know why when people break up, they are so sad? More often than not, the main reason is because your fantasies that you had of yourself with that person can no longer happen. Building fantasies with a character is a very powerful way to deepen the relationship. What are your hopes and dreams with this person? Do you want to get married and have children? How are they going to make your life better? Explore these questions while doing your homework.
What else has worked for you in the past when trying to get specific with character relationships? Please share in the comments below.
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