Live Theatre Production: characters

Understanding Characters in Live Theatre Production

Characters are the individuals represented in a play, who through their actions and reactions, narratives are told. They are formal constructs, driven by social, psychological or philosophical motivations.
Characterization is the process by which an actor brings a character to life on the stage, by embodying their behaviors, attitudes, and actions. This process usually begins with detailed analysis of the script.

Types of Characters

Characters can fall into archetypes (standard character types that recur in literature), such as the hero, the villain, the fool, the damsel in distress, and many others.
Some characters exist as foils to each other, created to highlight or contrast different qualities in each other.
Protagonists are usually central to the plot, often the character with whom the audience is supposed to empathize. On the other hand, antagonists often oppose the protagonist, creating conflict in the narrative.

Character Development

Character arcs refer to the internal journey of a character over the course of a play. This can involve a character’s change in attitude, beliefs, or behaviors.
Subtext is the unspoken thoughts and motives of the characters—what they really think and believe. It adds depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.

Characters and Thematic Exploration

Via characters, playwrights often explore broad themes and societal issues. For instance, a character can embody a social problem, or their motivation and conflicts might be tied to the central theme of the play.

Character Contribution to Dramatic Tension

The conflicts between characters, their desires, objectives, and obstacles often serve to maintain and escalate the dramatic tension in theatre. This tension keeps audiences engaged and emotionally invested in the narrative.

Interaction of Characters and Production Elements

Characters are not just conveyed through script and performance but also through production elements like costume, lighting, sound, and set design. For instance, a character’s social status might be indicated by their costume, or their emotional state by the lighting during their scenes.

Remember, developing an in-depth understanding of characters and their complexities can significantly enrich not only performance but also analytical skills that are valuable in interpreting plays and their underlying themes.