Exercises we used to develop our characters

Hot seating each  character was beneficial, as it allowed us as a group to gain a deeper understanding of the more “personal lives” of the specific character, sometimes revealing reasons behind their “current” attitudes and behavior that will be performed in the piece of theater  For example, Elizabeth conveyed the “serious leader” (Jean) to be a woman or 23 (supposedly) with no qualifications due to her careless, egotistical attitude towards school, resulting in poor education. This provided us with a possible explanation for her over the top behavior, and big headed attitude. We also learned that she once worked in Salisbury  however she was fired and did not appear to care she received her money from the social. A crucial factor within her life Elizabeth revealed was her affair with a married man, on which she stated, “he is having the affair, not me” when questioned if she pitied his wife. This conveyed a lot about her character and inner feelings, as the fact she is having an affair, but almost refuses to think about the other woman, implies she herself has a desire to be loved and wants someone to be devoted to her only. Elizabeth adopted a very flat, emotionless tone when playing Jean. This created a serious atmosphere and made her appear very “disconnected” and unhappy to answer questions. When asked about her qualification she took as breath as if to speak, then remained silent. This was significant as it indicated a sense of realization that she has not fulfilled her potential in life, suggesting a sense of failure, not helped by the fact she lonely as she lives alone.