An exercise I have used is to write a short "All About Me" profile of my character "Fran" as a way to help me embody my character completely. Without objectives, such as being willing to help others my character lacks any reason for being on stage.
This exercise has been a useful tool in how I will portray my character on stage.
ALL ABOUT ME:
My name is Fran Blake, commonly referred to as Branflake and
I have lived in Merrivale all my life. My family and I live on a farm, and our
farm is responsible for all the vegetables that are eaten in Merrivale and the
surrounding villages. My lifelong dream is to own a vegetable stand that will
stand among the others stands in the Market, and I will name it “Fran’s Stand”.
It will sell all kinds of vegetables, including my favourites: carrots and
potatoes.
My favourite place to go in Merrivale is to the gates of
Castle Glamorous as it’s a great place to sit and think. I’ve also hoped to
catch a glimpse of the Prince, but haven’t been successful yet. My family’s
vegetables are often taken to the Castle to be used in their kitchen, and I’ve
tried many times to sneak into the cart that takes them. However my father has
always pulled me out of the cart before it leaves our farm.
I’d like to consider myself as a rather cheerful person, and
am happy to help anyone. When I’m not on the farm I come to the market to meet
with other villagers and help with stands. I help bring vegetables into the
village and often drop by the houses of the older folk to save them having to
walk with heavy bundles. I like to stop off and sit and chat with them, and I
can’t refuse their invitation to join them for a slice of cake.
As predictable as it sounds Merrivale is a very merry place
for people to live, and you’ll very rarely find yourself under the weather
here.
