The Acting Driver: A Comprehensive Guide to Executing Character Development

The acting driver is a crucial component of the actor's craft. It refers to the internal motivations, desires, and beliefs that drive a character's actions and behaviors. Developing a clear and compelling acting driver is essential for creating authentic and relatable performances.

Understanding the Anatomy of an Acting Driver

An acting driver consists of several key elements:

• Character's Goal: What does the character want to achieve in the story?
• Character's Objective: An action that the character takes to pursue their goal.
• Character's Tactics: Specific strategies used to achieve the objective.
• Character's Motivations: The reasons why the character desires the goal.
• Character's Beliefs: The underlying assumptions and values that shape their motivations and actions.

Developing a Strong Acting Driver

Creating an effective acting driver requires a thorough understanding of the character and the script. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Character Analysis:

• Read the script multiple times to gain a deep understanding of the character's personality, relationships, and backstory.
• Identify the character's specific goals and motivations.
• Consider the character's beliefs and values, and how they influence their decisions.

2. Goal and Objective Setting:

• Determine the overall goal that the character is pursuing throughout the play or film.
• Break down the goal into smaller, achievable objectives that the character takes steps to accomplish.

3. Tactics and Strategies:

• Consider the specific actions that the character will take to pursue their objectives.
• Explore various strategies and tactics that the character might use, based on their personality and circumstances.

4. Motivational Research:

• Delve into the character's past experiences and relationships to uncover their underlying motivations.
• Understand the character's fears, desires, and emotional needs.

5. Belief System Exploration:

• Identify the character's core beliefs about themselves, others, and the world.
• Consider how these beliefs influence their motivations and actions.

The Importance of an Acting Driver

A well-developed acting driver provides a solid foundation for character development and performance. It:

• Enhances Authenticity: Actors who fully understand their character's motivations and beliefs can deliver more authentic and believable performances.
• Facilitates Emotional Connection: By understanding the character's emotional needs and desires, actors can better connect with the character and convey their emotions to the audience.
• Drives Plot Development: The character's actions and decisions are dictated by their acting driver, which in turn influences the course of the plot.
• Creates Dramatic Tension: Conflict arises when the character's goals and motivations collide with obstacles or opposing forces.
• Enriches the Actor's Experience: The process of developing an acting driver can deepen the actor's understanding of human nature and the craft of acting.

Comparing Acting Drivers: Pros and Cons

Different acting drivers can lead to unique performances, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

Real-World Stories of Acting Drivers

Story 1:

The Determined Detective: In the crime thriller "The Night Watch," the detective protagonist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is driven by a deep-seated need for justice. His relentless pursuit of a serial killer is fueled by his belief in the sanctity of life and his determination to avenge the victims.

What We Learn: A strong acting driver can create a compelling and emotionally resonant character that audiences can root for.

Story 2:

The Misguided Motivations: In the comedy "The Hangover," the main characters embark on a wild journey after their friend's bachelor party goes awry. Their actions are driven by a desire for fun and adventure, but their poor judgment and lack of foresight lead to hilarious consequences.

What We Learn: Even well-intentioned acting drivers can result in unexpected and comedic outcomes when not properly considered.

Story 3:

The Evolving Beliefs: In the drama "The Crown," the character of Queen Elizabeth II undergoes a significant transformation as she adjusts to her role as monarch. Her initial belief in the divine right of kingship gradually gives way to a more modern and pragmatic approach to leadership.

What We Learn: Acting drivers are not static and can evolve over the course of a performance or story arc, providing depth and complexity to the character.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find my character's acting driver?

• Analyze the script and the character's interactions with others.
• Research the character's backstory and cultural context.
• Draw inspiration from personal experiences or observations.

2. Can my character have multiple acting drivers?

• Yes, characters can have complex motivations and desires that influence their actions and decisions.

3. How do I prevent the acting driver from becoming limiting?

• Embrace flexibility and allow the acting driver to evolve as the character grows and experiences new situations.
• Consider multiple perspectives and interpretations to avoid a one-dimensional portrayal.

4. How do I communicate the acting driver to the audience?

• Through the character's actions, words, and interactions with others.
• Use subtle cues, body language, and vocal inflections to convey the character's motivations and beliefs.

5. What are common challenges in developing an acting driver?

• Difficulty in understanding the character's motivations.
• Lack of imagination or inspiration.
• Fear of creating an unlikeable or shallow character.

6. How does the acting driver differ from the character's objective?

• The acting driver is the underlying motivation for the character's actions, while the objective is the specific action or goal that the character is actively pursuing.

7. How can I strengthen my acting driver through rehearsals?

• Explore different interpretations of the character's motivations.
• Improvise scenes to test the effectiveness of the acting driver.
• Receive feedback from directors and fellow actors.

8. How does the acting driver affect my performance choices?

• The acting driver influences the character's emotional responses, physicality, and interactions with other characters.
• It helps guide the actor's decisions and create a cohesive and authentic performance.

Conclusion

The acting driver is an essential tool for actors to create authentic and engaging performances. By developing a clear and compelling acting driver, actors can tap into the motivations, beliefs, and desires that drive their characters and bring them to life on stage or screen. The step-by-step approach, real-world stories, and frequently asked questions outlined in this comprehensive guide provide valuable insights and practical advice for actors seeking to master this crucial craft element.