Live Theatre Production: character motivation and interaction

Live Theatre Production - Character Motivation

Character motivation refers to what drives a character to act in a certain way or make certain choices. It is often a particular goal or desire that the character seeks to fulfil.
Understanding character motivation is crucial as it gives depth to characters and fosters believable interactions between them, making the audience more invested in the plot.
Actors must understand the motivations of their characters to convincingly portray them on stage. They should consider why a character says a particular line, does a specific action, or behaves in a certain way.
Character motivation can be influenced by various factors, including the character’s background, relationships, and the overall context of the play.
Always remember, a detailed study of the script is critical to discerning character motivation. This involves reading between the lines and understanding the subtext, along with the explicit content.

Character interaction is the way characters communicate and react with one another. This can include dialogue, physical actions, and emotional reactions.
Even silent pauses or non-verbal cues can signify important aspects of a character’s relationship or feelings for another.
Effective character interaction is key to driving the plot, creating tension and conflict, and evoking emotional responses from the audience.
The director also has a significant role in shaping character interaction. They can guide actors on how to create dynamic interactions.
The use of stage space can reflect character relationships and interactions. For instance, the distance between characters might indicate the closeness of their relationship or the tension between them.

Sound, lighting and props can be used to highlight character motivation and interaction. For instance, dramatic lighting may emphasise a crucial interaction between characters, while sound cues can highlight a change in a character’s motivation.

Complexity of character motivation and interaction can contribute to the quality of a live theatre production. A plot with well-developed characters, who have solid motivations and engaging interactions, is more likely to captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression.