Character Profile / Character Development

The objective of this task is to deepen your understanding of the character you are playing
by looking closely at your characters involvement in the script, through research and by
using your imagination. I want to see that you are developing a three dimensional
character that can leap to life and come off the page, on to the stage.

NB: One of the criteria in the rubric to achieve a C+ or higher is to research for this
assignment beyond just reading the script. Suggestions for this are: researching the
occupation of your character eg: ring master, researching a physical ailment that your
character has e.g.: an eating disorder etc.The possibilities for research are endless, just
think outside the square!

Part A – Background

Provide a snapshot of the character you are playing:

- Name
- Age
- Family members
- Nationality
- Hobbies
- Any other interesting facts

Draw an annotated/labelled picture of your character; consider: hair, clothing, facial

expressions etc.

Part B (Complete one element from each of the four tasks)

When completing these elements ensure you provide adequate detail. You should:
-analyse, interpret and discuss with specific examples
-comment on how experiences and attitudes of characters help to shape them
as individuals.
-consider alternative views, recognise multiple possible interpretations and
respond with insight
Ultimately you are providing information that will enhance the potential of the play.

Task 1 – Expressive skill

- Select a scene or a few scenes your character is in and comment on how
their feelings change throughout the scene/s, also comment on the change
in emotions they express.
OR
- Develop a timeline for your character of their life from birth to death
noting significant events. For each event outlined note both how the
character is feeling and the emotions they are expressing. This could be
portrayed through a single word, a sentence or a paragraph.
Task 2 – Dramatic elements
- Describe your characters relationship with another character. Consider if
the relationship changes throughout the course of the play, if there are
changes what causes these changes. If you would like to make the task a
little more interesting read up on your astrology and assign the two
characters star signs based on their personality and the way they interact
together.
Task 3 – Stagecraft
- Select a scene your character is in. Read the scene and consider the way
stagecraft could be used to help communicate what your character is
Character Profile / Character Development

feeling or trying to say in this scene. Stagecraft includes: acting, direction,

sound, lighting, costume, make-up and set design. One way of presenting
this could be photocopying your selected scene and writing all these notes
directly on to the script.

Task 4 – Going beyond

- Write a scene involving your character (and others if you wish) that does
not exist. This scene could occur before the start of the play, at the end of
the play, or even in the middle of the play.
OR
- Extend your characters profile to include: character’s full name, family
tree, friends, date of birth, star sign, pets, where they live, where they
were born, schooling, job, favourite: colour, food, holiday location, song
etc, best friends, their fondest memory and so forth.
OR
- Create a collage of pictures, drawings, photos, stickers, material samples
etc – anything that reminds you or inspires you to think about your
character. Annotate your collage explaining your selections or provide
your explanation on a separate page.
OR
- Develop a list of at least 7 complex questions you have about your
character and attempt to answer some of them, as you get further into the
assignment exploring your character you may be able to answer more than
you think and clarify and elaborate on earlier responses. You do not need
to be able to answer all your questions – however hopefully by the time
you have performed the play you would be able to do this
OR
- Your choice – create your own question but ensure it is adequate and will
to add depth to your character

The smaller your role in the play the more you will need to use your imagination, start
with what the script tells you, research wider for more depth, then fill in the blanks
appropriately with your imagination.

Remember that the same character when played by two different people can be different
as each individual brings different experiences and understanding to the character based
on their own experiences and on their imagination.

Once you have completed this task you should have a really good understanding of your
character and how you wish to portray them on stage. Be prepared to get up in character
and tell us a bit about yourself individually in class.

I have not set a word limit for any of the tasks but the depth you portray will reflect your
mark. Depth does not always mean long. I will also leave it up to your discretion how you
wish to present the assignment i.e.: in workbook, typed, as a folio, using PowerPoint, as a
poster etc.

Ensure you include a bibliography

Character Profile / Character Development

Extension

*For a B in ‘The Individual Learner’: Submit well thought out written comments
on how to improve on Learning Goals in the future.
*For an A in ‘The individual Learner’: Note how your beliefs and values allow
you to interpret your character
*For an A in ‘Listening Viewing & Responding’: Put together your key ideas and
findings from this assignment to show a complex understanding of your character within
the play.