Question 1: Describe three physical characteristics you might choose to emphasise when developing a character's appearance. Explain how these can influence the audience’s perception.

Answer: Possible physical characteristics include height, build, facial features, posture, and mannerisms. Emphasising these can help communicate the character's personality, social status, or emotional state, thereby influencing how the audience perceives and relates to them.

Question 2: Identify two vocal techniques that can be used to develop a character's personality. Provide an example of how each technique might be employed.

Answer: Techniques include pitch variation and pace. For example, a character with a high-pitched voice may seem nervous or excited, while slow, deliberate speech can suggest confidence or authority.

Question 3: Explain the importance of body language in characterisation. How can a performer use body language to convey a character’s emotions?

Answer: Body language is crucial because it provides non-verbal cues about a character’s feelings and intentions. A performer can use gestures, posture, and movement—such as slumped shoulders to show sadness or upright posture for confidence—to communicate emotions effectively to the audience.

Question 4: List four methods a actor might use to develop a backstory for their character. Why is this backstory important?

Answer: Methods include researching the character’s social context, creating detailed personal history, imagining their relationships, and considering their motivations. A detailed backstory helps the actor understand the character’s actions and reactions, making their portrayal more authentic.

Question 5: Describe how a performer might use facial expressions to portray a character experiencing internal conflict.

Answer: The performer might use subtle changes in facial expressions, such as furrowed brows, clenched jaw, or avoiding eye contact, to suggest inner turmoil without explicitly stating it.

Question 6: Draw a basic sketch of a character in a specific emotional state (e.g., angry, happy, or scared). Include key physical traits and posture. Label the features that express the emotion.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a figure with exaggerated posture and facial expressions: for example, clenched fists and a tense stance for anger, a big smile and open arms for happiness, or wide eyes and hunched shoulders for fear. Labels should identify these features clearly.

Question 7: Explain the concept of 'subtext' in acting and how understanding subtext can improve a performance.

Answer: Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or feelings behind a character’s words and actions. Understanding subtext allows actors to deliver lines with greater emotional depth and authenticity, making their portrayal more convincing.

Question 8: Choose a scene you have performed or studied. Describe how you would modify your physicality and voice to better embody your character’s personality.

Answer: Depending on the character, I might adopt a more relaxed posture and softer voice if they are shy, or a strong, commanding stance and loud voice if they are confident. These modifications help convey their personality more effectively.

Question 9: Identify and describe two challenges actors might face when trying to develop a convincing character. Suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.

Answer: Challenges include avoiding stereotype portrayals and maintaining consistency throughout a performance. Strategies include thorough character analysis and rehearsing to internalise traits, ensuring a nuanced and stable portrayal.

Question 10: Reflect on a performer’s use of silence or stillness in a scene. How can these techniques enhance characterisation?

Answer: Silence and stillness can create tension, highlight emotional states, or draw attention to a moment. They can communicate unspoken feelings or internal conflict, making the character’s portrayal more powerful.