Interview with a Character

Dive deep into characters! Explore their core human needs and motivations with this fun interview worksheet.

THE 6 HUMAN NEEDS ARE:1. Certainty: assurance you can avoid pain and gain pleasure, stability, security2. Uncertainty the need for the unknown, change, new stimuli, adventure, change3.Significance: feeling unique, important, special or needed4.Connection a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something5.Growth: an expansion of capacity, capability or understanding6. Contribution: a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others 1. When creating a character that makes an impact on the stage, getting their motivation right is essential to inspire your audience and at least make you believable. One of the worst sins of acting is boring an audience by having nothing to say or add to a scene or by not having a believable motive for your actions whether they are good or bad. Review the 6 Core Human Needs and use these to identify a good one for your character. To remain faithful to the author and his script, you must also have REASON to believe that is your character's core human need driving their actions. So, make sure you look for examples in the script to substantiate (bolster) your belief! 2. What character have you chosen to "play"? Write their name below. (or record your answer) 3. If you had to choose from Core Human Needs, (Certainty, Variety, Connection, Significance, Growth or Contribution), which do you think would be the STRONGEST for your character? (or record your answer) 4. IN 1 sentence, WHY do you believe that is your character's biggest need? Give an example of something they SAY or DO from the script! (Acting tip: This is evidence you'll need to look for when creating a character. Choose the best example you can find to support your idea!) (You can write or record your answer) 5. You will interview a classmate acting as the character of their choice.*Below you will write 5 questions of your own as if you are the interviewer asking this character about themselves.*Make sure you ask somewhat meaningful questions to really help them "dig deep" into their character as they improv their answers.*Avoid "yes or "which" questions because they are dead ends (unless you somehow add a "why" to it).*Try asking information questions such as "who, what, where, when, why, and "if you....". These are great CONTENT questions!*I have offered you the first question, and you will provide the final 5. Have fun! You will use these in an improv interview next week. First question: Hello...(insert character's name). Thank you for agreeing to this Zoom interview, we really appreciate it. So, my first question for you is, WHY do you do what you do? What do you think drives you? In other words, what is your Core Human Need? Please number your questions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Thank you! (If you'd rather record your voice speaking your 5 questions instead of writing, please feel free. Either option is acceptable!) You will want to refer to this worksheet next week.