AQA GCSE Drama Student Book: Revised Edition

SET PLAY 3: Things I Know to be True by Andrew Bovell 3 Interpretation of character You will need to show how you can interpret a character. This means that you understand the character’s motivations and goals, and the obstacles they face. In your interpretation, you might decide that a character is, for example, sympathetic, changeable, sel sh, passive, intelligent, funny, emotional, heroic, or a combination. Then you must be able to use your vocal and physical skills to portray the character and create particular effects for the audience, such as tension, romance, surprise, anger, comedy, pity or sorrow. Answer these questions to begin interpreting members of the Price family. TASK 19 Using these prompt questions, write two paragraphs of your interpretation of two contrasting characters in the play. Download a printable version from Samples & Downloads at www.illuminatepublishing.com . FACTS: A family living in South Australia. The father has retired. The mother is still working as a nurse. They own their house, have no debt and help their children in different ways, from providing childcare for Pip’s daughters to doing Ben’s laundry. KEY SCENES: Choose one signi cant scene for each character. Bob (for example, upset at the idea of Rosie moving away, pages 76–77) Fran Pip Mark Ben Rosie POSSIBLE COSTUME CHOICES: How will their costumes indicate their age, occupation and status? When and how will their costume change in the play? Will they alter their costume onstage, such as adding a cardigan or a jacket, or taking off something like a tie or their shoes? Will they have any notable accessories, such as jewellery, spectacles, a handbag or suitcase? POSSIBLE VOCAL CHOICES: What accent/dialect might they use to show their background? What changes might they make in volume and tone when they are angry or emotional? How might they use diction, pitch, tone or emphasis when making an important point? How might they use volume, tone or emphasis when they want someone to agree with them? EFFECT ON AUDIENCE: What rst impression of this character should the audience have? Are there moments when you want the audience to: admire them be amused by them judge this character harshly? POSSIBLE PHYSICAL CHOICES: How might their posture and body language demonstrate when they want to overpower or convince someone? What gestures might they habitually make? When and how does the pace or rhythm of their movements change? What use of body language, posture, eye contact and gesture might they make when unhappy, frightened or worried? 85 SECTION B STUDY OF A SET PLAY