The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Offers carry more weight when they connect to the characters in the scene. You raise the stakes of an offer by assuming that a character is responsible and deserves either the credit or the blame.

Assume responsibility

One way to make things personal is to assume the responsibility. When an offer is made, take the blame or credit. Assume it’s on you, even if that wasn’t the initial idea. This gives your character a greater stake in what’s going on.

Taking the blame makes your character vulnerable.

The spect comments, “The flowers are dying.” Algernon hangs his head and admits, “I meant to water them. I’m sorry.”

Taking the credit can make your character seem thoughtful, powerful, or arrogant.

The spect makes an offer, “The fireworks are beautiful.” The inter-actor nods knowingly, “I know. I designed this display just for you.”

Endow responsibility

Another way to make things personal is to endow the spect’s character as being the one responsible for something. Again, the endowment can take the form of either credit or blame.

The spect mentions, “Lee passed his final exam.” The inter-actor responds, “I guess your tutoring him really paid off.”

Endowing spects with credit for positive things is a good option because it puts them in a good light and increases their confidence. However, before endowing spects with blame, it’s best to wait until they are fully invested and playing strong, or you risk the endowment shutting them down.

When you need to connect characters more deeply to the story, make it personal by endowing yourself or the spect as the one responsible.