Character Bio - Actors Forum is the Community to Talk, Learn and Study Acting.

jzell · 04-20-2007, 10:54 AM

Hello all,

This is my first thread on this forum. I was wondering, when creating a character how many of you write indepth character bio's? Do you think think it is neccessary to write one? When I have a character I need to play I always say i will sit down and write a character bio but I can't seem to get myself to do it. I can't explain it but the thought of writing an in depth bio freaks me out. In my mind I think about my character's history but I can't seem to get into detail (like where her went to school, who were his friends, and etc.).

I would love to hear what you have to say.

Jordan

Lori · 04-20-2007, 12:01 PM

Character bio.... I like to read and re-read the script a few times first. Then I will go through it and circle "what do others say about my character" and "what do I say about myself" (the clues in the script) Then I ask myself a lot of questions to find the background...I don't usually write it down (except for short notes in the margin when an idea strikes me), because the ideas can evolve and change the more I work the script. When "stuff" tends to stick because I keep going back to it in my head again and again...then I tend to stay with that idea. I guess I perfer to talk/think through it...keeping it to myself unless the director asks me specifically...then I have an answer ready because of the "homework" I've done. And if the director doesn't agree with my idea, at least we have something solid to discuss and the ideas can remain fluid.

SWK78 · 04-21-2007, 06:23 PM

I agree with Lori. I've never done a character bio, but I do know that Alfonso Cuaron, the director for Harry Potter 3, asked each of the three leads to write an essay about their character, and it was amazing how like the character each of them turned out to be when they turned it in to Cuaron. Watson's was very very long, while Grint and Radcliffe's were relatively short. It was interesting to learn about that. His goal was to get them into their characters a bit, let them search about in themselves, how they thought their character had progressed so far, and where they were going...

SWK78

Ziyad · 05-10-2008, 02:28 PM

What might work better for you is to ask someone to help you to develop the character. After you've researched for quite a bit who or what the character is by reading the script multiple times, sit on a chair in front of your helping hand. Ask that person to keep asking you questions. Best questions are simple ones like "How old are you. Are your parents alive. What are their names. Where did you grow up. Do you have a boyfriend". When exploring a character it might be hard to answer "What are your views on the israeli pakistani conflict?", but hey whatever works.

Then as you get these questions, you don't just answer them, but you'll answer them in character. Answer as your character would and don't answer if your character wouldn't.

I find that doing this for 5 to 10 minutes really helps me to slip into a character's skin more than writing any bio would, while still exploring the background of the character.

Lori · 05-10-2008, 03:28 PM

Ziyad, I LOVE that idea...I plan to use it!

Ziyad · Yesterday, 03:10 AM

Cool! Good luck, Lori! That'll be 5 euros!

Just kidding. Let me know how it goes for you. My only price is that you should tell me how it went for you. Have fun!

ryancondrey89 · Yesterday, 08:55 PM

Ya know, I believe one's character shouldn't be set in stone on a piece of paper.... It should be what you feel is right at that time... That's how I do my characters.. no writing... That's what us actors are great at... spur of the moment stuff!!