As actors, we know that there are several different ways to develop characters; whether it's a method or strategy or warm up exercise. Below are a few ways I have found to be effective methods, ranging from beginner to advanced. Rememeber, all actors are different; maybe two appeal to your acting style or maybe none at all! When picking a style, just remember to choose based on your comfort and limits.
1. The 100 Questions Worksheet
If you type in “100 Questions to Characterize” to google it should pop up, but basically this is a three-page questionnaire with detailed questions to ask yourself about you character. It ranges from questions like “What is your full name?” to “Are you able to kill?” to “Are you in a relationship?”. If you prefer developing a backstory to get into character, this is a perfect method for you. It covers every aspect of your character’s life (childhood, teenage years, adult) and goes in depth with details, characteristics, and personal beliefs for your person. Personally, this is my favorite technique and I can testify that it has always been effective for me (Thank you Smithwick!).
2. Create A Timeline
This can also be considered a “backstory” method, but it focuses more on major events and turning points for your character rather than specifics (hair color, relationships, personality). If you are a visional learner, this is a great way to illustrate and plan out where you want to take your character while building a foundation. This also gives you complete control over your characters life: when they were born (what era, decade) major events that could affect their life (accident, financial/personal loss, marriage) and what other events that may have been going on that may have shaped your character (World Wars, plagues, etc.)
3. Keep a (False) Memory Journal
Grab an empty note book or journal and literally create “memories”. Close your eyes and envision a specific event (or memory) that your character would remember participating in: this could be a wedding, time with the family, watching breaking news, etc. Jotting down these false memories will allow you slip into your character and literally recall everything that has ever happened to them. Not only will it develop an emotional connection, you will find it easier to relate to your character (seeing as though you are recreating the memories). Later when you are getting into character, you can close your eyes and imagine those moments and events in your mind, which will prepare you mentally for the role.
4. Do the Method
Ah, method. Everyone’s favorite or everyone’s pitfall. I will admit that method is very tricky and, despite its effectiveness, may not be the easiest for a fresh actor. This requires a lot of research, an open-mind, and a willing to stretch your limits; without proper understanding and real studying of how Method acting works, the experience won’t be effective. There have been many famous actors that have used Method as their techniques and received much praise for their work (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp), but again, some people find Method to be dangerous, especially to an inexperienced performer. Still, this is one of the most effective ways to achieve accuracy and understanding in any character.
5. Emotional Recall
A popular favorite, emotional recall is a common technique actors use to emotionally understand the situation their character faces. For example, if your character lost their dog, the actor would “recall” a similar experience that made them feel the way their character feels (maybe the actor lost a dog too, idk). This technique is good, although it is flexible, meaning it really depends on what kind of character you are playing. However, it will develop emotional connection with your character and is usually a good starting point for any actor.
6. Just Wing-it
Honestly, I've worked with some actors that just like to react "in the moment". They feel more comfortable developing on the spot and find their character through the idea "what would he/she do right this second?". Improv is a great exercise to produce that mindset of just reacting naturally, and again it does take practice to improve this kind of acting.
There are several other techniques and methods that you could research and study, these are merely suggestions and starting points to see what interests you (as an actor) in general. Finding that baseline and working up to what is most comfortable to you in terms of developing a character is important. For example, I would not suggest to someone who doesn't enjoy going through every detail to do the 100 Questions, nor would I have a Method actor close their eyes and try to recall a past emotional. All actors are different: some are visual learners, hands-on, internet study, etc. And the best part is, there is no wrong way you can choose to develop a character! So act on fellow actors!
