If you’ve ever felt the urge to create quirky, memorable characters on the fly, you’re not alone. Improvisational acting (or improv) is a fantastic way to bring unexpected characters to life, and it’s a great skill for voice actors, writers, or anyone looking to add creativity and spontaneity to their work. One of the most exciting aspects of improv is the ability to create “pocket characters”—small, quick-to-create characters that can add depth and flavor to any situation. Here’s how you can build your own pocket characters using improv.
1. What Are Pocket Characters?
Pocket characters are essentially mini, fully-formed characters that you can pull out at a moment’s notice. They’re the characters you can use in any improv scene, conversation, or performance, and they don’t require a lot of backstory or deep development. Think of them as little “characters in your pocket” that are ready to play whenever you need them.
These characters don’t need to be complex; sometimes, their charm comes from their simplicity or absurdity. A pocket character might only appear for a minute or two in a scene, but they can leave a lasting impression with just one funny or surprising line.
2. Start with a Simple Character Trait
One of the easiest ways to create a pocket character in improv is by focusing on a single, defining trait. This could be anything from an exaggerated emotion to a quirky physical characteristic.
- Emotion: Is your character always anxious? Overly confident? Excited? This single trait will define how they react in any situation.
- Example: A character who is always overjoyed, no matter the situation. Their voice and reactions would be filled with excitement, even in serious moments.
- Physical Quirk: Is your character unusually tall? Always scratching their nose? This can help immediately differentiate them.
- Example: A character who constantly adjusts their glasses while talking. It could be a nervous habit or a quirky tic that defines their presence in the scene.
- Accent or Speech Pattern: Sometimes, a specific way of speaking is all you need to create a pocket character.
- Example: A character with a thick accent who talks too slowly, creating an amusing contrast in fast-paced scenes.
3. Use the Power of “Yes, And…”
Improv is all about building on what others bring to the scene. The “Yes, And…” rule is a cornerstone of improv, and it’s a great way to develop a pocket character. Start with a simple idea, and then see how your character reacts to new information.
- Start Small: Introduce a small trait and then build upon it with each scene. Your pocket character might start with one simple quirk, like a loud laugh, and then you add layers as the scene evolves.
- React to the Environment: In improv, the character you create is shaped by the world around them. Your pocket character might be someone who reacts wildly to even the smallest changes in the environment. For example, they might get overly excited by something mundane, like the color of a chair.
4. Play with Contrasts and Exaggerations
One of the joys of improv is pushing characters to their extremes. When you create a pocket character, consider making them an exaggerated version of a real-world type. This contrast can be both funny and engaging.
- Exaggerated Traits: Turn normal traits into something extreme. If you’re creating a “shy” character, take it to the next level. What if they’re so shy they speak in whispers and avoid eye contact at all costs?
- Example: A character who speaks so softly that no one can hear them—except they constantly act as if they’re very important or have something valuable to say.
- Opposites Attract: Sometimes, the funniest pocket characters come from an unexpected blend of traits. Imagine a character who is extremely serious about something completely trivial, like their love for paperclips or the proper way to arrange furniture.
- Example: A character who is incredibly passionate about a seemingly mundane subject (like organizing books by color) but treats it like it’s the most important thing in the world.
5. Give Your Character a Fun Backstory (Optional)
While pocket characters don’t require in-depth backstories, a simple idea or story can help guide their actions and responses. The key is to keep it brief and open-ended so that you can build on it in any direction.
- One Sentence Backstory: Give your character a quick, intriguing backstory that might influence how they interact with others.
- Example: “This character once ran a small bakery that only sold cupcakes shaped like animals.” This tiny detail could guide how they interact with others, perhaps making them overly focused on food or causing them to have random cupcake-related outbursts.
- A Key Motivator: What’s driving your character? Are they trying to impress someone? Escape from something? These little motivations can add depth without needing a complex story.
- Example: A character who constantly tries to impress others by making everything sound more exciting than it really is. They might exaggerate every detail in their life.
6. Use Stereotypes Playfully
Improv is all about playing with ideas, and sometimes taking a common stereotype and twisting it can create hilarious pocket characters. Stereotypes should be used in a lighthearted and respectful way—avoid reinforcing harmful tropes, but feel free to have fun with exaggerated or unexpected versions of them.
- Example: A stereotypical “goth” character, but with an unexpected soft side, like an obsession with pastel-colored stuffed animals.
- Example: A “cool guy” character who, instead of being aloof and mysterious, is obsessed with the most embarrassing things, like their collection of rubber bands or their knowledge of obscure facts about old TV shows.
7. Create Characters Based on Objects or Animals
In improv, you can also create pocket characters that are based on objects, animals, or abstract concepts. This can add a layer of whimsy to your performance and give you new ways to engage with the scene.
- Objects: What would a character based on a stapler be like? Maybe they’re always organizing and “clipping” things together, or they’re very methodical in their actions.
- Animals: Think of a quirky animal personality that can translate into a character. A cat who’s overly proud, a dog who’s too excited, or even a sloth who’s very slow and deliberate in their speech.
8. Switch It Up with Physicality
In improv, the physicality of your character can be just as important as their voice or personality. Pocket characters don’t always have to be verbal—they can be defined by how they move or react physically.
- Strange Movements: Maybe your pocket character constantly fidgets with something, or they speak while holding a strange pose. Physical quirks can make your character more memorable.
- Body Language: A character who is perpetually slouched or overly rigid can bring humor simply through their body language.
9. Have Fun with It!
The most important aspect of creating pocket characters is to enjoy the process. Improv is meant to be fun, so don’t overthink it. The joy of pocket characters comes from their spontaneity and the way they surprise both you and your audience. Lean into their quirks and see where the scene takes you!
Conclusion
Pocket characters are a fantastic way to flex your improv muscles and add a touch of creativity to any scene. They’re quick to create, easy to develop, and offer endless possibilities for fun. Whether you’re a seasoned improviser or just starting, creating pocket characters can help you explore new ways to express yourself, develop diverse voices, and find humor in the most unexpected places. So, next time you’re in an improv scene, reach into your “pocket” and pull out a new, unique character—you never know what fun might unfold!