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 that is fantastic for looking at for interesting choices.

This Week’s Character – Patrick Jane

Why This character?

The thing about this character is that he can be very hard to read which can be a good thing for improv as it can provide a sense of mystery to a scene. There are points where he will act spontaneously and think of the effect after and that also can be quite fun in Improv. Another great thing is that the seriousness of Patrick means that is creates quite a fun scene character.

This sort of style would be good for police themed or action based improv. There is elements of softness that does shine through at small amount of times.

Personality traits that are great

• He is always right – he may not seem the most friendliest but in an improv scene this could create a lot of humour.
• The eyes – due to the fact at times he is so straight laced, his eyes, can do a lot of the work in the scene which could work really well in Improv.
• Mystery – having an element of mystery is an interesting trait.

What we can learn for Improv Characters?

• Sometimes more straight laced characters can create interesting characters for an improv scene.
• Hold something back slightly, it will create an element of drama
• Sometimes the lead in a scene doesn’t have to be the loudest. It can be just as fun as having them the quietest and making the biggest persona on the stage.

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