How to Develop a Character for a Monologue, Play, or Other Performance Piece

The most important thing when portraying a character in either a monologue or a play is to develop the character. Since the character must be believable as if he/she were real, there is an intensive regimen than must be followed to bring this realism to life. The following are question that must be answered in order to bring your character to life.

Character background

1. Full name? Significance or meaning of name?

2. Age? Birthdate? Astrological sign? Meaning or significance of age? Mental age?

3. Parents? Siblings? Pets? Cultural heritage? Quality and quirks of each relationship?

4. Religion/ philosophy/ morality? How do you make moral decisions and why? How do they see and approach the life they are living? Do you believe in God?

5. What distinguishing physical mannerisms do you have?

6. What distinguishing vocal mannerisms do you have?

7. Where educated?

8. Time period/era: What is happening historically?

9. Geographic location down to the street address and neighborhood

10. Career/job: how do you feel about your job?

11. Marital status and kids? Feelings about this status and the people involved?

12. Who is your best friend and why?

13. Who are you most uncomfortable around? Why?

14. Have you ever been in love? How often and with whom?

15. What does love mean to you?

16. What happens to you physically when you are in love? What about mentally?

17. Physical health? Describe the health challenges, quirks, strengths, defects that you have.

18. What issues do you have a personal stake in?

19. Likes/dislikes. Be very specific.

20. Social status?

21. How do you see yourself? How do others see you?

22. Sexual preference? What effect does this have?

23. Hobbies/interests?

24. How do you respond to animals and nature in general?

25. What kind of clothes do you wear at work and at home?

26. Do you read? How often? What do you read?

27. Describe your sense of humor.

28. What dreams do you have for yourself?

29. Describe the environment that you live and work in.

30. Describe your morning ritual. If you follow these basic guidelines, you will be well on your way to developing your character. Granted, there are many more questions you can ask when developing the character. The realism that he/she portrays on stage is governed only by the amount of thought that you give to both developing the character and portraying him/her on stage. The most important thing that you must remember is that you must become your character in every sense when performing in front of your audience. Do that, and the audience will become as immersed in your character as you are.