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.

Today we are looking at a comedy character closer to the United Kingdom.

This Week’s Character – Miranda

Why This character?

The great thing about the character of Miranda is that a lot of her persona is based around the idea of play. There are so many things we can learn from this character as it is all about having fun. Behind the scenes of her friends and alone in her flat she comes up with a lot of creative ideas such as fruit friends and dancing with a mop as well. The idea of ‘play’ is such a great promotion for the ideology of improv but also it has a lot of traits that are so great for improv.

Personality traits that are great

• The idea of play – throughout the episodes there are these drips of Miranda doing silly things because she doesn’t want to grow up and creates silly things such as Fruit Friends.
• Due to the fact her ideas are so wacky – the audience reel into this world and believe what they see before them.
• She creates an outlook on life that is uplifting and change the way that people look at life.

What we can learn for Improv Characters?

• An audience will believe a world put in front of them, no matter how silly or weird it is. If you believe and sell it – the audience will believe it too.
• Play is a good thing – remember that in a sense – don’t go too much in your head.
• Never feel embarrassed of who you are – always embrace who you are even on stage – you are special.