Character Development Workshop

Unit Context

This is Lesson 2 of 8 in the unit "Elements of Drama Exploration" for Year 7 Drama students. The focus is on the drama element of character, developing students' understanding and skills in creating, exploring, and embodying characters.

---

Duration

60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

---

Australian Curriculum Alignment (v9)

Content Descriptions

• AC9ADR8C01: Improvise and devise drama and/or interpret scripted drama, manipulating elements of drama and applying conventions relevant to the style/form.
• AC9ADR6C01 (Years 5-6 relevant for scaffolding): Develop characters and situations, and shape and sustain dramatic action to communicate ideas, perspectives, and/or meaning.
• AC9ADR8D01: Develop performance skills relevant to selected drama styles and/or forms, including voice and movement to portray character.
• AC9ADR8D02: Reflect on their own and others’ drama to inform choices when manipulating elements of drama, including character, and to shape dramatic action.

General Capabilities Focus

• Personal and Social Capability: Empathy and perspective-taking through character exploration.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Developing original characters and adapting traits thoughtfully.
• Ethical Understanding: Respectful role-play and understanding boundary in portraying diverse characters.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand and identify different character types and traits.
2. Create and develop a unique character considering motivation, background, and traits.
3. Use voice, body language, and movement to embody the created character.
4. Reflect on their character development and receive/give constructive feedback.

---

Resources Needed

• Open classroom or drama space with room for movement
• Character trait prompt cards or a prepared list
• Character development worksheets (basic template: Name, Traits, Motivation, Background, Physicality, Voice qualities)
• Mirror or reflective surface for self-observation
• Whiteboard/Markers for brainstorming and note-taking

---

Lesson Outline

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (10 minutes)

• Welcome and focus: Briefly revisit the Elements of Drama (with emphasis on Character). Ask students: "Why are characters important in drama?"
• Physical and vocal warm-up: Gentle exercises to loosen voice and body, encouraging students to use their entire body expressively (e.g., shaking limbs, stretching, vocal scales).
• Quick improvisation "Character Freeze" game: In small groups, students quickly create an imagined character and freeze in a pose representing that character. Peers guess the character type or trait (fun, active engagement; exploring physicality)【1:AC9ADR8C01.md†AC9ADR8C01】.

---

2. Exploring Character Types and Traits (10 minutes)

• Brainstorm as a class: What kinds of characters do we see in stories or plays? (Hero, villain, comic relief, mentor, etc.) Write on the board.
• Introduce character traits: Using trait cards or a list, explore traits such as Brave, Shy, Arrogant, Curious, Kind, Mysterious. Students discuss or act out how these traits might appear physically and vocally.
• Mini discussion: How do these traits influence a character's motivation and actions? Encourage links between traits and possible character backstory/motivations.

---

3. Character Creation Workshop (20 minutes)

• Provide students with a Character Development Worksheet:

  • Name of character
  • Three key traits
  • One motivation or goal
  • One background detail (age, occupation, or family)
  • How might this character move? (Physicality)
  • How would this character sound? (Voice, pitch, pace)

• Task: Students fill out their worksheet quietly and independently.

• Once completed, students spend a few minutes embodying their character in space — exploring movements, voice, facial expressions. Encourage them to exaggerate to find character “essence.”

---

4. Group Sharing and Feedback (15 minutes)

• In groups of 4-5, students take turns performing a short improvisation as their character responding to a simple prompt (e.g., "You meet someone who wants to help you" or "You just received surprising news").
• Group members give positive feedback focusing on clear character traits and actions, using questions like:
  • "What did you notice about how they moved or spoke?"
  • "What did you learn about the character’s motivation?"
• Teacher circulates, offering specific praise and guiding questions related to element use and clear character communication【0:AC9ADR8D02.md†AC9ADR8D02】【3:AC9ADR8D01.md†AC9ADR8D01】.

---

5. Reflection and Consolidation (5 minutes)

• Class discussion to reflect:
  • What was challenging or fun about creating and performing your character?
  • How can we use these techniques in future drama work to build believable characters?
• Journal/exit slip option: Students write one thing they learned about character and one question they still have.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative Assessment: Observation of participation and ability to physically and vocally embody character traits during activities and improvisations.
• Reflection: Student responses in group feedback and exit reflection to assess understanding of character development elements.
• Worksheet: Completion and detail of the character development worksheet as evidence of grasping character creation fundamentals.

---

Differentiation and Inclusivity

• Provide scaffolded options for students needing support, e.g., pre-selected traits or simplified worksheets.
• Encourage students to create characters representing diverse backgrounds and challenge stereotypes thoughtfully, fostering empathy and ethical understanding.
• Use peer feedback protocols to ensure a safe, respectful environment.

---

Extensions and Ideas for Next Lessons

• Developing characters through scripted scenes.
• Exploring relationships between characters and how these affect dramatic tension.
• Using costumes, props, or simple masks to deepen character embodiment.
• Introducing viewpoint techniques to analyse character choices critically.

---

This lesson plan is designed to deeply engage Year 7 students with the drama element of character, connecting practical activity with critical reflection per the Australian Curriculum v9 Drama learning outcomes【0:AC9ADR8D02.md†AC9ADR8D02】【1:AC9ADR8C01.md†AC9ADR8C01】【3:AC9ADR8D01.md†AC9ADR8D01】. The workshop style encourages creativity, collaboration, and the foundational skills essential for their drama journey.