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 character who has a lot of skill and style and whilst he isn’t a comedy character we can learn a lot from him.

This Week’s Character – Neal Caffrey

Why This character?

Characters don’t have to be from a comedy show to provide inspiration. Neal Caffrey from White Collar is a fantastic character to look at when it comes to improv. He is smooth, he knows how to always get the best side of people and has a slick way of doing it. This can be a fun and exciting thing to bring to improv.

Personality traits that are great

• The ability to always convince people to always say yes – he is slick and always gets his way in some shape or form.
• His artistic side made him one of the best art cons artists – he can copy any art and make people believe they are real. The creative side and the inventive side makes him a great because it is unique.
• He can act on the unexpected and always turn it into something great.

What we can learn for Improv Characters?

• You can always adapt to new situations that are brought to you – react in a positive way to anything that you get given as you can always make it your suggestion and own it.
• Try one time to play a slick character – it can be really fun to be that sort of character and can create a lot of fun moments
• Be creative in the way you improvise – it can lead to great results.

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