5 Questions for Deep-Sea Diving
Fellow actors & writers: we all know that our work hinges on the written or spoken word, right? Our characters express themselves to the audience that way, and the main device we use to inform our work as creators and facilitators of character is through what’s written.
But I’d like to take you through a little exercise that works with what isn’t written. What isn’t spoken. What isn’t shared openly, but exists as an undercurrent to your creation. It may seem obvious to some – to others it may feel like the most foreign concept ever. But working between the lines creates a character with a more complete root system. It also allows us to infuse our own unique kind of life into the character, to give him an inner life that no one else could ever give.
This exercise is best done with your imagination wide open and your censor/critic put to bed for the night. The answers may not come out of the text, or your outline or background work. Trust what comes. Let yourself go for the juicy answer, even if you can’t justify or understand it. Stick with it, friends. And I want to hear what this exercise puts you in touch with.
(Lit. note: I’m just going to use “him”, not “her” or “him/her”. It’s not because I like boys better than girls or think the world should be him-centric. I just like a clean page. Thanks.)
- What would your character never, ever want you to know about himself? What is his deepest secret, and why? What makes this character hold back such vital information?
- What is your character willing to tell you, only if you swear to God and hope to die that you will never, ever reveal it to the audience? What does your character trust you enough to know about him?
- What is the most beautiful thing about your character, in your opinion?
- What about your character evokes the most judgment/compassion in you?
- What do you know about the character that he doesn’t yet know about himself?
