TAKE-AWAY NOTES

 

​Playing a character who isn’t so nice—or is even downright villainous—can be an intimidating challenge for many actors. After all, most of us naturally gravitate toward roles that earn approval or align with our personal values. The key, however, is to set aside our own moral judgments and truly dive into the character’s world. Below are some strategies to help your students fully inhabit these complex, morally ambiguous roles.

​e and circumstances leading into the scene give you momentum. Knowing (and feeling) what just happened helps you enter the scene with clarity and authenticity.

​

1. Shift Your Perspective: “Everyone Is the Hero of Their Own Story”
 

Even if society sees a character as evil, that character often believes they’re doing what’s right—or at least what’s necessary.

​

2. Focus on Motivations Instead of Morality
 

Steer clear of labeling actions as “good” or “bad.” Instead, dig into the reasons behind them. What does the character want? What drives them to behave in certain ways?​ Questions to Ask

• What does the character want in this scene (and in the bigger picture)?

• What obstacles are in their path?

• How do they justify their methods of getting what they want?

 

3. Cultivate Empathy Through Backstory

Many villains carry deep wounds, traumas, or distorted beliefs that fuel their actions. By exploring a character’s history, actors develop empathy for what shaped this person.

​

4. Embrace the Character’s Needs and Desires

According to many acting methods (like Stanislavski’s), characters are driven by core objectives or needs—such as love, recognition, security, or power. Understanding these needs helps actors connect with the character, even if their actions seem immoral on the surface. Pinpoint your character’s primary need. Then, explore how every action the character takes is meant to fulfill that need. This keeps the focus on the character’s human side, rather than just labeling them a “bad gal/guy.”

​

5. The “As If” Technique

If the character’s situation feels too foreign or repulsive, the “As If” approach encourages actors to find a personal situation that evokes similar feelings.

​

6. Physical and Vocal Exploration

Sometimes, connecting to a disturbing character begins on the outside. Exploring different postures, gaits, or vocal patterns can unlock new psychological insights.

​

7. Release Personal Judgment in Rehearsals

During rehearsals (and performances), actors should suspend their own moral compass and fully commit to the character’s reality. This doesn’t mean endorsing the character’s behavior—it simply means understanding it from the inside.​As an actor, “step out” of the role after each rehearsal. Shake off the character physically or say something like, “I release this character,” as a ritual to separate yourself from that mindset.

​

8. Use Improvisation to Explore Extreme Choices

Improvisation provides freedom from the pressure of hitting specific marks. When students improvise in the character’s mindset, they respond spontaneously, often revealing hidden aspects of the character’s psychology.

​

9. Encourage Post-Rehearsal Reflection

After stepping out of character, it’s crucial for actors to process how it felt to inhabit those darker traits or impulses. Questions to Ask

​

• What surprised you about the character’s actions?

• Once inside their mindset, which parts made more sense than you expected?

• Which aspects still feel challenging or uncomfortable?

​​

10. Remember: Acting Is a Craft, Not a Moral Statement

Your role as an actor is to serve the story truthfully, not to pass judgment on the character. By playing a villain with genuine conviction, you allow the audience to grapple with questions of morality on their own. When you fully commit to a character—regardless of that character’s moral standing—they create authentic, thought-provoking performances. By focusing on motivations, empathy, and the character’s internal logic, students can portray complex villains in a way that resonates deeply with audiences, revealing the sometimes uncomfortable truths of human nature.​​