The term that would best refer to the ability of a performer to bring the character he/she portrays to life is called the "characterisation." Furthermore, characterization is the process of representing the character that is currently portrayed in some works of dramatic narratives and other literature.
He gets a sword and a shield with a red lion on it
The best answer I could find is that he thought inspiration came from hard work and discipline. A quote that supports this point would be when he said: "To know what you're going to draw, you have to begin drawing." So, inspirations doesn't just happen by chance.