This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

 

Character, conflict-Action!

Teaching Resource: acting

Characters and conflict are the heart of drama. Characters confronting whoever and whatever stands between them and the thing they want capture our imagination. And the various ways they go about getting what they want make fascinating theatre.

Exercise

To create instant action, try improvising a scene by randomly pairing up the characters and the verbs in the lists below.

Characters
Siblings
Friends
Strangers
Enemies
Husband and Wife
Girlfriend and Boyfriend
Parent and Child
Grandparent and Grandchild
Boss and Employee
Neighbours
Doctor and Patient
Teacher and Student
Bully and Victim
Salesperson and Customer
Monarch and Subject
Kidnapper and Hostage
Police Officer and Protester
Player and Referee

Verbs
Ask for forgiveness
Belittle
Demand
Make fun of
Bargain
Undermine
Plead
Promise
Negotiate
Charm
Placate
Coax
Defend
Attack
Flatter
Threaten
Confront
Intimidate