Question 1: Define 'motivation' in the context of character analysis. Why is understanding a character's motivation important for actors?

Answer: Motivation refers to the reasons or driving forces behind a character's actions, thoughts, and feelings in a script. Understanding a character's motivation helps actors interpret their behavior authentically, making their performance more believable and engaging. It also allows actors to make choices that align with the character's inner world and objectives.

Question 2: Identify two common types of relationships between characters in a play. How might these relationships influence a character's motivation?

Answer: Two common types of relationships are: 1) Conflictual relationships, such as rivalry or disagreement, which can motivate a character to act defensively or aggressively. 2) Supportive relationships, like friendship or family bonds, which can motivate characters to act selflessly or protectively. These relationships influence a character’s goals and decisions based on their interactions and emotional connections.

Question 3: Read the following extract from a script where Character A says, 'I can't trust anyone anymore.' What might this reveal about their motivation and relationship with others?

Answer: This line suggests that Character A is feeling betrayed or hurt, which impacts their trust in others. Their motivation might be to seek safety or avoid further betrayal. It also indicates a strained or damaged relationship with other characters, possibly leading to withdrawal or defensive behavior. The actor should portray this with guarded body language and a tense tone.

Question 4: Describe a practical activity you could do to explore a character's motivation during rehearsals. How would this help your performance?

Answer: One activity is to create a 'backstory' for the character, imagining their past experiences, goals, and conflicts. Then, perform a monologue pretending you are the character explaining their feelings. This helps you understand their inner thoughts, making your portrayal more authentic and allowing you to choose gestures, voice, and expressions that reflect their motivation.

Question 5: Explain the difference between internal and external motivations with examples.

Answer: Internal motivation comes from within the character, such as a desire for love or revenge. For example, a character seeking justice for a loved one is driven by internal motivation. External motivation arises from outside influences, like societal pressure or peer approval. For instance, a character might join a group to gain acceptance. Recognizing both helps actors portray depth in their characters.

Question 6: Choose a character from a play you have studied. Describe their key relationship and how it influences their motivation.

Answer: For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet,' Romeo's key relationship with Juliet influences his motivation to pursue love despite danger. His love for Juliet motivates him to defy his family and societal expectations. This relationship drives his actions and decisions throughout the play, highlighting how relationships shape character motives.

Question 7: In a performance, how can an actor show the character’s conflicting motivations? Give two specific acting techniques.

Answer: An actor can use facial expressions, such as a conflicted frown or nervous glance, to show internal conflict. They can also vary their voice pitch and pace to reflect hesitation or urgency. Techniques like emotional memory or sense memory can help actors access genuine feelings of conflict, making the performance more nuanced.

Question 8: Draw or describe a scene where two characters' relationships are clearly expressed through their body language and proximity. Explain your choices.

Answer: Students should describe or draw a scene where, for example, two characters stand close with open gestures to show trust, or sit apart with crossed arms to indicate tension. Explanation should include how body language and positioning reveal their relationship status, such as intimacy, hostility, or indifference.

Question 9: How can understanding a character’s motivation and relationships help you develop your character during improvisation?

Answer: Understanding motivation and relationships provides a foundation for spontaneous choices, making your character's actions believable. It guides your reactions and decisions in improvisation, helping you stay true to the character’s goals and emotional state. This depth enhances the realism and engagement of your performance.

Question 10: Reflect on a time when a character’s motivation changed during a play or scene. How did this affect their relationships and actions?

Answer: For example, a character initially motivated by revenge might realize the importance of forgiveness, leading to a change in behavior. This shift can alter relationships, perhaps restoring trust or causing conflict. Recognizing such changes allows actors to portray complex characters and keep the performance dynamic and realistic.