Dramatic Acting - You Are Not Your Character

I have spent the past decade of my life researching acting skills and undergoing numerous training sessions with some of the most respected acting coaches within the industry, and while I've learned some great skills one of the most important aspects of acting I've ever been taught is - I am not my character. As an actor, it is important to understand that while your mouth is delivering lines, when you're in character it is no longer your mouth. How you would react to a situation is not applicable for a dramatic scene. If you are interested in cultivating a unique and multi-faceted character, continue reading to discover one of the most profound truths of acting.

You're Talking, but It's Not You

One of the most important things to remember when you're delivering dialogue from a dramatic script is to acknowledge the fact that you are the one talking; however, it is actually not you. I've always felt that actors have a hint of D.I.D. or Multiple Personalities, as we must truly believe we are not ourselves when we are still us. When you are able to truly let yourself free, and absorb the thinking and lifestyle of your character, then you can perform a solid and believable performance.

Separating Your Personal Desires and Reactions

I remember performing a dramatic scene, and within this particular scene I had to react to very negative remarks coming from the other character. The script was on a very touchy subject matter, and during rehearsals it was difficult for me not to revert to my own personality to actually defend my character. The director saw this, and understood where it was coming from. When you're delving into the dark spaces of dramatic acting, you are bound to come across a skeleton within your closet, and if you're not careful, the sock of encountering such a feeling can cause you to react not as the character, but as yourself. The director told me something I would never forget, "As an actor, you are responsible for acknowledging your own personal demons; however, when you're on that stage (or in front of a camera) you are officially not you. Whatever circumstances you've encountered in your past must not affect the quality of your performance. If you have undergone a similar situation, use your knowledge of this situation to enhance the believability and raw emotion of your character; however, never react to a situation based on your own personal experiences as you are not you."

Using Personal Experiences

While this section may seem a like the opposite of the previous section, it is possible to draw upon your own personal experiences to create a character that is not you. For example, you were involved in a car crash. In this crash you experienced serious injuries and maybe one of your friends perished. Within a dramatic script, your character is also involved in a car crash. While his reactions may be similar to yours, you must never react beyond the actual personality of your character; however, you can use your experience to help form the basis of your character. But, always remember, you are not your character!