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Characterization is the developing and
portraying of a personality through thought,
action, speech, costuming, and makeup.
 It involves making others believe you are
someone else. Your job as an actor is to make the
character real for the audience.
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Sometimes when you watch a play, movie, or
television show, you recognize a character
type and automatically know how that
character will act.
 These character types that are easy to recognize
are known as stock and stereotypical characters.
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A Stock Character is a familiar character who
is the same type of character in every play,
movie, television show, book, etc.
 Stock Characters were an important part of early
dramatic traditions, as audiences quickly
identified with each character based on what they
had seen the characters do or say in previous
plays.
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Examples of Stock Characters:
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The Villain
The Hero / Heroine
The Voice of Wisdom or Reason
The Fool
The Sidekick
The Helpless Female / Damsel in Distress
The Love Interest
The Traitor
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A Stereotypical Character is a familiar type of
character whose label identifies a particular
group or segment of society.
 Stereotypical Characters are easily recognizable
through their actions, characteristics, personality,
speaking habits, etc.
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If the labels “jock,” “old lady,” “bully,” or
“cowboy” automatically bring to mind visual
images, then those particular character types
have become stereotyped for you.
When creating characters, it’s important to
avoid negative ideas concerning occupation,
race, gender, age, ethnicity, or religion.
 Negative stereotypes result when groups or
people or individuals are misrepresented in a
discriminatory or prejudicial way.
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Examples of Stereotypical Characters:
 Rock Star
 Rich Socialite
 Clumsy Waiter
 Noisy Neighbor
 Military Officer
 Stern Teacher
 Brave Hero
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On your index card write your name and
either a stock or stereotypical character.
Write down the way your character would
walk, talk and act.
Give yourself a name, occupation,
hometown, and a reason for visiting the class.
In character, introduce yourself to the class.
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Brave Hero
Secret Agent
Rock Star
Powerful Businessman
Stern Teacher
Nosey Neighbor
Over-protective Parent
Beauty Pageant
Contestant
Drill Sergeant
Private Detective
Talk Show Host
King/Queen
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Hilbilly
Athlete
Rich Socialite
Southern Belle
Class Clown
Butler
Juvenile Delinquent
Mad Scientist
Strict Principal
Famous Movie Star
Nerd/Geek
Politician
Librarian