When you first approach a character, it can be a daunting task as this person may have a completely different view on life, love and relationships. I have personally found that many actors are unable to completely change their point of view to that of the characters’, which results in a performance that is stilted and delivered not based on the character, but based on the actor’s own morals, values and personality.
As an actor, you must learn how to create a unique point of view not from your own perspective, but from that of your character. There are several ways this can be accomplished, and I have outlined the most effective means of reaching this acting level. However, it is important to note that your own approach to entering the world of a character can greatly vary.
Thinking Like the Character
One of the most important steps in achieving a unique point of view based on your character’s perspective is to begin thinking like your character. This is one of my personal favorite ways to accomplish this goal as it allows me to fully explore a different mentality and way of life without consequences.
Select a scene from the script – preferably one that showcases the broad emotional range of the character. After fully reading and memorizing this scene, write down the internal thoughts of the character onto a notepad during the scene; be as detailed as you desire.
Next, create several everyday scenarios your character would go through. This may include riding a subway, going into a fast food restaurant, walking throughout the city or sitting in a library. At the top of a page, write the scenario and give a brief description of who is in his immediate surroundings.
Now comes the fun part – write down the internal thoughts of your character within this scenario. Since this scenario is outside the limits of the script, it gives you an opportunity to humanize and explore how your character reacts to those around him, what mundane thoughts cross his mind and how he views those around him.
It is important to only perform this form of character analysis after you have performed a full-fledge character biography and development. The reason for this: you must fully understand your character before you can begin making internal, off-script, thoughts from him.