Question 1: Identify the character's primary motivation in the scene. How does this motivation influence their actions?

Answer: The character's primary motivation appears to be seeking validation from others, which influences their actions by causing them to seek approval through specific behaviors or dialogue. For instance, if the character is trying to impress someone, they may speak more confidently or take risks to gain approval.

Question 2: Describe the relationship between the character and another key character in the scene. What cues in the script or performance suggest this relationship?

Answer: The relationship is depicted as tense and conflicted, suggested by dialogue that contains accusations or defensive language. Non-verbal cues such as eye contact, body language, and proximity can also indicate the emotional distance or intimacy between characters.

Question 3: How does the character's tone of voice or delivery reflect their internal motivation or emotional state? Provide specific examples.

Answer: The character's tone may be hurried and tense when anxious or desperate, reflecting a motivation to resolve a conflict quickly. For example, speaking rapidly with a rising pitch can suggest urgency or frustration.

Question 4: Practical task: Perform a short improvisation where your character is trying to persuade the other character to change their mind. Focus on your motivation and relationship dynamics. Record a brief reflection on your performance.

Answer: In the improvisation, I portrayed my character as desperate and persuasive, emphasizing eye contact and a calm but firm tone to show determination. I observed that establishing a sense of trust or urgency helped convey the relationship's dynamics. Reflection: I felt more confident when I focused on my character's goal, which made my delivery more authentic.

Question 5: Compare and contrast the motivations of two characters in a scene. How do their differing motivations create tension or conflict?

Answer: One character's motivation to seek justice contrasts with the other's desire to protect a secret. This difference creates conflict, as their actions and dialogue reveal opposing goals, leading to tension during their interaction.

Question 6: Identify a moment where the character’s body language enhances their spoken words. Describe the movement and its effect.

Answer: The character crosses their arms and avoids eye contact while speaking, which conveys defensiveness or reluctance, reinforcing their internal conflict and hesitation conveyed through dialogue.

Question 7: Describe how relationships are developed through dialogue and interaction in the script. Include an example of a line or exchange that reveals this relationship.

Answer: Relationships are revealed through spoken exchanges that show underlying emotions. For example, a line like ‘I don’t trust you anymore’ indicates distrust, affecting how characters interact physically and emotionally, shaping the audience's understanding of their relationship.

Question 8: How can understanding a character’s motivation help you as a performer? Provide two specific benefits.

Answer: Understanding a character’s motivation helps a performer make authentic choices in voice, gesture, and reaction, making the character believable. It also guides the performer in creating clear objectives within scenes, enhancing overall performance.

Question 9: Draw or describe a gesture or movement that could express the character’s internal emotional state or motivation during a pivotal moment.

Answer: Students should describe or draw a gesture such as clenched fists to show frustration or a trembling hand to depict anxiety, which reveals internal emotional states.

Question 10: Reflect on a scene where the character’s relationship changes. What cues in the script or performance suggest this change?

Answer: A scene where characters move from confrontation to reconciliation can be indicated by changes in body language, tone, and dialogue. For example, a shift from aggressive posture to open gestures and softer speech suggests a change in relationship dynamics.