Want Your Lead Character to be a Character Actor? Here's Some Ideas

 

Yes, the lead character is the one who leads you through any story you might see on stage, screen, novels and anywhere else stories are told. I’ve always been drawn to those we call “character” actors, though. While everyone was in love with Romeo and Juliet, I was taken by Romeo’s dear friend Mercutio, who seemed much funnier and more vibrant than either of the two famous lovers.

Character actors typically don’t have what we think of as “movie star” looks, though they look much more interesting, in my view. Geoffrey Rush — an actor’s actor if ever there was one — is mesmerizing in films like Shine and The King’s Speech and everything else he’s done.

I also love seeing women character actors and wish there wasn’t such an unspoken emphasis on women’s looks in the entertainment business. If women who aren’t traditionally “pretty” do win big parts, they’re usually comedies at first. Is that because if you’re not beautiful, you’re supposed to be funny?

I don’t know, but one of the female actors that always inspired me is Meryl Streep. She doesn’t look like most versions of a model, but transcended typical Hollywood parts to become one of the most reknowned actors we’ve got. Other actors like Jodie Foster have leading lady looks, but deliberately shun roles that would emphasize that.

Thinking of character actors also made me think of my own plays and novels, and whether or not I write roles for them. I want to, certainly, but do I?