Creating a Character Backstory
Mindfulness, Embodiment, and Drama > Drama and Literary Arts
Description
In this lesson, students will create a character backstory for writing or performance.
Materials
- Writing materials and/or device.
- Handout.
Activity Notes
- When creating characters for a storyline or drama performance, it’s helpful to take time to imagine their history, or backstory. A character’s history/backstory helps explain their actions, emotions or motivation in a plotline.
- Watch the video and use the attached questions to imagine a character’s backstory. You may not ever include these details on paper or talk about them on stage, but a backstory helps you as a writer or performer to create interesting and multidimensional characters.
Artist Notes
- Have fun and use your imagination with these questions. Think of everything you need to know about your characters to help write or perform their actions.