The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

It’s important to know the character you’re playing. It’s equally important to be flexible. If you find yourself thinking, “My character wouldn’t do that,” don’t let that stop you. There are reasons to do things that feel out of character.

When you’re developing a character in rehearsal, it’s easy to become attached. You may feel you know who your character is, but hold it lightly. Allow yourself to try things that don’t quite fit. Interesting characters often embody contradictions. If something doesn’t work, you can always change your mind.

In performance, your goal is to serve the spect’s story. If this means modifying your character, that’s part of the job. When something needs to happen and you find yourself thinking, “My character wouldn’t do that,” go ahead and do it. Afterwards, justify. When you’re serving the needs of the spect’s story, it's appropriate to do things that might seem out of character.