The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Resisting others raises the stakes, but your character also needs to be changed. If spects have trouble changing you on their own, it helps to create an Achilles’ heel. Endow something that the spect says or does as your character’s secret weakness.

Leon (spect) wants to get the band back together, but Angelo isn’t interested. He wants to focus on his solo career. Nothing that Leon says changes Angelo’s mind—not the money, the perks, or the offer of creative control. Leon gives up. “It won’t be the same without you, man.” “You’re getting someone else?” “I guess we’ll have to.” Angelo bristles at the thought. “Like hell I’m going to let some other idiot play my music. When do we start the tour?”

The Achilles’ heel is especially useful when playing a stubborn character or a gatekeeper. When you need a reason to be changed, reveal the heel.