Question

How do you develop a good characterization in improvisation?

Answer 1

Be the You in your head. 

Outside, we’re all living a pretty, put together Instagram life. Inside, we’re a torrent of manic emotions, paranoid thoughts, and on the verge of breaking down mentally and emotionally. Be that person.

Lead with an emotion. 

Walk on knowing that no matter the initiation, you’re going to be frustrated, despondent, lustful, joyful, or aroused. Don’t drop that emotion.

Lead with a body part. 

Step with a limp, wave your arms in the air, or scrunch up your face. How do you feel? How do you justify that choice?

Lead with an accent or voice. 

I have mixed feelings on accents since a lot of improvisers use them as the butt of a joke rather than a character tool. Rather than going for the bit, try to do your best and sincere version of an accent. Where does that place you geographically? Who are you?

Choose your age. 

15. 45. 95. Each age brings new challenges and a different perspective.

Adopt a strong POV. 

Enter the scene with a strong opinion about anything, even if it’s totally irrelevant. You never miss a midnight movie. You don’t believe in ghosts. If that’s true, what else is true? How do you act given your current situation?

Be a fictional character. 

Harry Potter or Mario. Adopt their persona or literally be them.

Write a character for yourself.

 I’ve said before that writing is one of the best ways to get better at improv. So write character monologues. Write a play. Do sketch. Take those characters and bring them into new improv scenes. It’s not cheating any more than playing your stock mom character would be.

Pick a hot topic (not the store). 

Global warming. The separation of Church and state. Pick a side. Who are you? Can you bring nuance to that person so they’re not a stereotype?