Whilst this may not be directly focussed on improv, I think that characters are an important part of it – this is why I am starting a new feature called Character Building.

I came up with this idea the other day when I was watching Brooklyn 99 and some of the characters were so fascinating when I thought about it, I decided that character analysis could be interesting.

Obviously, improv is made up on the spot but looking at other characters can create inspiration for ideas you can take away to help develop your own personas in the future.

We are starting this feature with a character that actually inspired everything.

This Week’s Character – Captain Holt

Why This character?

Captain Holt inspired me to write this article as I was watching the show Brooklyn 99 and even though I have seen the show so many times I only really realised that he is such a great character. When you first start watching you believe that he is going to be a typical captain or boss who is going to be strict and in charge and will not do anything fun.

I love the way this character is developed and that very quickly it becomes apparent he actually has a fun and a silly side. This sort of character typically could always play the serious person in a scene, similar to improv where you tend to have someone who accepts the truth no matter what happens. The thing that I really like about the writing of Brooklyn 99 is that this character completely unravels and this changes very quickly and a different character can be seen.

Personality traits that are great

• The enthusiasm at unexpected times
• Even in serious situations there will be these little specks of comedy
• Excitement for really bizarre things such as balloon arches
• Very similar to Jake Peralta in some ways, initially it is not obvious initially and is sort of a slow burn type of comedy that slowly reveals itself gradually.

What we can learn for Improv Characters?

• Characters may fit into a stereotype like boss etc but it does not mean that they have to be predictble
• The person who is meant to be playing the serious person in the scene doesn’t always have to accept truth they can also be fun.
• There is so much fun that you can have with serious characters.