After much pleading and prodding, we have finally convinced our Literary Manager of Onion Man Productions, Daphne Mintz, to provide some inspirational words for your reading pleasure.
Daphne is a playwright, whose play “In Lieu of Flowers” is currently nominated for a MAT Award. She also is the creative force behind After Dinner Theatre, a networking group for all of us hardworking theatrical arts participants.
Daphne is a woman with many “Mantras” to share. Read below for some insight on one of her favorite mantras regarding ACTION, and how it applies to writing and creating characters.
Mantra: ACTION IS CHARACTER
People love to talk about themselves and love to talk about each other. So, be ready for your characters to spend a lot of time either talking about themselves or other people. Be ready to prove their perceptions right or wrong through the use of action.
Example
Lillian (dressed in overalls): I don't give a rat's ass what people think! I mind my business, so they should mind theirs. What business has she coming in here telling me I'll never get a man 'cause of the way I dress. Not every woman needs a man like that shined up hussy!
Martin: Well, pretty is all Emma Jean has going for herself I reckon. So, the thought of being plain is scary to her. I suppose the day will come along when your sense outshines her pretty face. That will be a sad day for Emma.
Martin exits.
Lillian's anger subsides to a pout as she returns to the table and flips through her school book not really reading. Determined to get her mind off of Emma Jean, she searches for the homework page and finds it. The difficult science or philosophical problem restores her usual confident, demeanor. Ready to tackle the problem she reaches for her pencil that is not there. She goes to the bureau opens the top drawer where she finds a pencil and heads back to the table. She stops part way then returns to the bureau and reopens the drawer. She pulls out a pink hair ribbon. She ties the ribbon in her hair and smoothes her hair.
Lights fade.
People love to talk about themselves and love to talk about each other. So, be ready for your characters to spend a lot of time either talking about themselves or other people. Be ready to prove their perceptions right or wrong through the use of action.
Example
Lillian (dressed in overalls): I don't give a rat's ass what people think! I mind my business, so they should mind theirs. What business has she coming in here telling me I'll never get a man 'cause of the way I dress. Not every woman needs a man like that shined up hussy!
Martin: Well, pretty is all Emma Jean has going for herself I reckon. So, the thought of being plain is scary to her. I suppose the day will come along when your sense outshines her pretty face. That will be a sad day for Emma.
Martin exits.
Lillian's anger subsides to a pout as she returns to the table and flips through her school book not really reading. Determined to get her mind off of Emma Jean, she searches for the homework page and finds it. The difficult science or philosophical problem restores her usual confident, demeanor. Ready to tackle the problem she reaches for her pencil that is not there. She goes to the bureau opens the top drawer where she finds a pencil and heads back to the table. She stops part way then returns to the bureau and reopens the drawer. She pulls out a pink hair ribbon. She ties the ribbon in her hair and smoothes her hair.
Lights fade.
Analysis of the Scene: Imagery Offers Clues
The book is a symbol of SENSE, as is the pencil, perhaps. The ribbon is a symbol of BEAUTY. The business about the science or philosophy is to help the actress and director understand the internal character. The audience will not see what is in the book, but they will see how Lillian interacts with it. This bit confirms that Lillian is a woman of sense/smarts, even though her dialogue indicated that she's not committed to perfect grammar. Lillian's interaction with the ribbon contradicts her dialogue about beauty.
The book is a symbol of SENSE, as is the pencil, perhaps. The ribbon is a symbol of BEAUTY. The business about the science or philosophy is to help the actress and director understand the internal character. The audience will not see what is in the book, but they will see how Lillian interacts with it. This bit confirms that Lillian is a woman of sense/smarts, even though her dialogue indicated that she's not committed to perfect grammar. Lillian's interaction with the ribbon contradicts her dialogue about beauty.
But How Does this Apply to Action?
Give each of your characters something TO DO WITH THEIR HANDS HABITUALLY...even if that means keeping them folded neatly, or tensely, in their lap. (Royalty, matriarchs, patriarchs, other persons in charge can stand like a chess piece with arms down, hands relaxed...even that shows character.)
Give each of your characters something TO DO WITH THEIR HANDS HABITUALLY...even if that means keeping them folded neatly, or tensely, in their lap. (Royalty, matriarchs, patriarchs, other persons in charge can stand like a chess piece with arms down, hands relaxed...even that shows character.)
WARNING: Do not write every hand action down. Include this in the character breakdown or when you first introduce the character. The actor will find the right time to use this information.
Examples:
* Susie keeps a compact mirror and lipstick handy. She methodically applies lipstick whenever she is about to take over a situation or conversation.
* Lewis keeps a pair of dice handy, but never rolls them.
* Brad is always reading. You're never sure if he's really listening to anyone.
Examples:
* Susie keeps a compact mirror and lipstick handy. She methodically applies lipstick whenever she is about to take over a situation or conversation.
* Lewis keeps a pair of dice handy, but never rolls them.
* Brad is always reading. You're never sure if he's really listening to anyone.
~Daphne Mintz
