FEARS

 
 

It’s Day 6 in our 12 Days Countdown of “Questions to ask about your character”! 

Today’s focus is on FEAR—specifically, your character’s biggest fear. Fear is a powerful driver of action, both in life and in storytelling. Every character has something they’re afraid of, whether it’s failure, rejection, abandonment, or not living up to expectations. These fears can hold them back, push them to take risks, or lead them to make choices they might not otherwise consider, and therefor will influence the choices you make for the character.

💡 Real Talk: What’s your biggest fear right now? Take a moment to reflect. How does it shape your decisions and actions? Is it keeping you in your comfort zone, or is it pushing you to take bold steps toward growth? Now think about your character. What are they afraid of? Is it similar to your fear, or is it entirely different? How can you use your personal experience with fear to bring authenticity to their story?

🎭 Pro Tip for Character Development:
Fears are often deeply rooted in a character’s past, and understanding this can add layers to your performance. Ask yourself:

  • What is my character’s biggest fear?

  • Where does this fear come from? Is it tied to a specific event, relationship, or belief?

  • How does this fear influence their actions, decisions, and interactions with others?

  • Does their fear drive them forward, or does it hold them back?

By answering these questions, you can uncover motivations and vulnerabilities that make your character relatable and compelling.

📝 Action Step: Take a moment to think about a time when fear influenced your own choices. Did you avoid something because you were afraid of failure or rejection? Or did you face the fear head-on and grow from the experience? Write it down in your actor journal/notebook. Then, consider how you can channel those emotions into your character’s journey. How would they react to a similar fear?

💥 Challenge: Push yourself to explore a fear your character has that you don’t personally relate to. Imagine what it might feel like to be afraid of something completely outside your comfort zone. How would you embody that fear physically, emotionally, and vocally?

Fear isn’t just an obstacle—it’s an opportunity. It can reveal our deepest desires, our greatest vulnerabilities, and the strength we didn’t know we had. For both you and your characters, facing fear can be the key to transformation.

Keep digging deep, that’s where the real magic is! (And write these questions down in your actor journal/notebook to refer to the next time you’re working on an audition or class character…your future self will thank you!)

Actorsite Team