Real Characters Create Better Improv

A funny voice, unusual walk, or catchphrase can help create a character—but those choices are only the beginning.

A real character has a point of view. They want something, care about what is happening, and see the world in a particular way. That is when the character becomes more than a collection of funny choices. That is when the scene comes alive.

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Find Their Point of View

A point of view gives you more to play than a personality trait.

“Angry” is a trait.

“Nobody respects the rules, and I’m the only person willing to enforce them” is a point of view.

“Shy” is a trait.

“If I make myself useful enough, maybe these people will let me stay” is a point of view.

A clear perspective shapes how your character reacts without forcing you to plan the scene. Let the audience discover it through what the character notices, avoids, protects, and believes.

Let Relationships Affect You

Instead of playing “a nervous man,” play a father hiding his fear from his daughter.

Instead of playing “an arrogant boss,” play someone who believes controlling the office is the only thing holding their life together.

Relationships give behavior meaning.

Listen to your scene partner and let their choices change you. Real people react, misunderstand, become defensive, change tactics, and reveal more than they intended. When characters genuinely affect each other, the scene develops naturally.

Play the Truth, Not the Joke

The funniest characters believe their behavior is reasonable, necessary, or completely normal. The audience laughs because it sees the difference between the character’s perspective and reality.

A clever line may earn one laugh. A truthful character can generate an entire scene.

If you begin with a stereotype, add something human and unexpected.

• Give the tough character an insecurity.
• Give the foolish character one subject they understand better than anyone else.
• Give the villain someone they genuinely love.

Contradictions create dimension.

Enter as Someone

You do not need a complete biography before stepping onstage. Begin with one clear choice—a posture, emotion, relationship, desire, belief, or way of speaking—then listen and discover the rest.

After 30 years of performing and teaching improv, I have found that comedy has more staying power when it grows from the character’s perspective.