What Are the 5 Questions in Acting?
Acting is often seen as one of the most complex and intriguing art forms. It requires not only a deep understanding of human emotion and psychology but also the ability to step into another person’s shoes and portray them authentically. For actors, the craft involves much more than memorizing lines and performing on stage or screen. It’s about delving into a character’s psyche and responding truthfully to the given circumstances.
One method that has been widely adopted by actors and acting coaches is the “five questions.” These questions, devised by renowned acting teacher Stanislavski and later popularized by Lee Strasberg and other acting legends, provide a structured approach to understanding a character and delivering a powerful performance. In this article, we will explore these five essential questions, offering examples and insights into how they can help an actor bring a character to life.
1. What Does My Character Want?
The first question every actor must ask themselves is: What does my character want?
This question is crucial because it forms the foundation of the character’s motivations. Every character, no matter how big or small, has desires and objectives that drive their actions throughout the story. These objectives, or goals, are often referred to as “super-objectives” in acting terms.
An actor must identify what their character wants at any given point in the play, scene, or film. This can be an overarching desire for the entire piece or a more immediate goal specific to a scene. By understanding this, the actor can then make choices that are aligned with that desire.
Example:
Take the character of Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet’s super-objective is to avenge his father’s death. However, within specific scenes, his immediate goal may shift. In his famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” Hamlet grapples with the decision of whether or not to seek revenge, which contrasts with his desire for justice. Understanding what Hamlet wants at each moment allows an actor to play the character’s internal conflict authentically.
In modern cinema, a character like Tony Stark/Iron Man from The Avengers also showcases this idea. At the beginning of his character arc, his primary goal is to escape captivity. As the story progresses, however, his desires shift towards saving the world and protecting his loved ones. An actor portraying Tony Stark needs to keep these shifts in mind to stay true to his motivations.
2. Why Does My Character Want This?
The second question to consider is: Why does my character want this?
Simply asking what a character wants is only the beginning. To give the performance depth and realism, an actor must also explore the reasons behind these desires. This question dives into the character’s backstory, their personal history, and what has shaped them into the person they are at this moment in the story.
Understanding why a character wants something allows an actor to bring authenticity to the portrayal. It provides insight into the character’s deeper emotional needs and reveals the driving forces that influence their actions.
Example:
Consider the character of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. Elsa’s desire to protect her kingdom from her ice powers is rooted in her fear of harming others. This fear stems from a childhood experience when she accidentally hurt her sister, Anna. Elsa’s internal conflict, driven by shame and fear, explains why she isolates herself from others. An actor portraying Elsa must understand the psychological factors at play here—her fear of rejection and failure—as it profoundly impacts her behavior and decisions.
In contrast, the character of Michael Corleone from The Godfather wants to protect his family, but the reason for this is tied to his deep loyalty to his father, Don Vito Corleone. Michael’s ultimate goal of protecting the family empire and avenging wrongs stems from his desire to uphold family honor and continue his father’s legacy. This complex motivation shapes his transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss.
3. How Will My Character Achieve This?
Once an actor has a clear sense of what their character wants and why they want it, the next question becomes: How will my character achieve this?
This question encourages actors to think about the actions and tactics their character will use to achieve their goals. Every decision, every movement, and every line of dialogue must be carefully chosen to serve the character’s ultimate objective. This process is often referred to as “acting with intention.”
Actors can break down a scene or a character’s journey into a series of steps, actions, or obstacles. These steps often involve both physical and emotional choices. The actor must think strategically about how their character pursues their desires.
Example:
In The Dark Knight, Batman (Bruce Wayne) is driven by the need to rid Gotham City of crime. His methods for achieving this goal include his extensive training, the use of high-tech gadgets, and a strategic plan to confront his enemies. However, in the case of his moral conflict with the Joker, Batman’s approach becomes more nuanced. He has to decide whether to uphold his code of non-lethal justice or sacrifice that principle to save Gotham. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Batman involves demonstrating both the physical and emotional steps Batman takes to achieve his goal, making each decision layered with consequences.
In contrast, the character of Walter White in Breaking Bad is initially motivated by a desire to secure his family’s future after being diagnosed with cancer. He chooses the method of cooking and selling methamphetamine, which leads to his ultimate transformation into the drug kingpin known as “Heisenberg.” The methods Walter employs evolve throughout the series, showing the lengths to which he is willing to go to achieve his goal and the moral compromises he makes along the way.
4. What Is Stopping My Character from Achieving This?
The fourth question actors must ask is: What is stopping my character from achieving this?
Every character faces obstacles—both external and internal—that prevent them from reaching their goals. These obstacles can be other characters, situations, societal expectations, or even the character’s own doubts and insecurities. Recognizing these barriers is essential because they fuel conflict, which is the heart of drama. Conflict propels the narrative and provides opportunities for an actor to showcase a wide range of emotions and reactions.
Understanding what stands in the way of a character’s success allows an actor to approach each scene with a sense of urgency or frustration, knowing that the stakes are high and the desired outcome is not guaranteed.
Example:
In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner’s journey is marred by numerous obstacles: homelessness, lack of resources, and the pressures of raising a young son while seeking a job as a stockbroker. These challenges continuously impede his progress. Will Smith’s portrayal of Gardner highlights not only the external obstacles but also the internal struggles he faces, including self-doubt and exhaustion. The tension between his desire to create a better life for his son and the harsh realities he faces makes for a compelling and emotional performance.
In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen faces the oppressive government of Panem, which forces children to participate in deadly games for the amusement of the Capitol. Her main obstacle is not only surviving the games but also challenging the unjust system. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance conveys Katniss’s determination and inner conflict as she fights against forces beyond her control, making her journey relatable and inspiring.
5. What Will My Character Do If They Don’t Achieve This?
The final question is: What will my character do if they don’t achieve this?
This question explores the consequences of failure. If a character’s goal is thwarted, what will happen? This could be a physical consequence, such as death, injury, or capture. It could also be an emotional or psychological consequence, such as despair, loss of self-worth, or destruction of relationships. This question encourages actors to explore what is at stake for their characters and how they will react when their goals seem unattainable.
Example:
In Gladiator, Maximus is driven by his desire for vengeance against Emperor Commodus. The consequences of failure are dire—if Maximus doesn’t succeed, he will remain a slave, and his family’s death will have been in vain. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Maximus conveys the actor’s desperation, fear, and unwavering resolve as he fights for his freedom and honor. The high stakes make Maximus’s journey not only thrilling but deeply tragic.
In Les Misérables, Jean Valjean’s journey revolves around his quest for redemption. If he fails in his pursuit of goodness, he will be forever haunted by his past crimes, unable to escape the prison of his own conscience. Hugh Jackman’s performance captures Valjean’s internal struggle between his moral aspirations and the oppressive forces that threaten to pull him back into darkness.
Conclusion
The five questions in acting—What does my character want? Why does my character want this? How will my character achieve this? What is stopping my character from achieving this? and What will my character do if they don’t achieve this?—are tools every actor can use to explore their character’s motivations, desires, and obstacles. By answering these questions, actors gain insight into the psychological depth of their characters, allowing them to make informed and dynamic choices throughout their performance. These questions serve as a blueprint for creating an authentic, compelling portrayal that resonates with audiences and brings a character to life.
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