Chapter 6: Building Blocks of a Scene: The WHO

Let’s dig deeper into WHO WE ARE. As stated in the previous chapter, WHO is both character and relationship. We make simple choices, then we discover our characters and relationships as we go. Every choice becomes an inspiration for “Yes, And…” moves and choices, as well as fuel for our audience’s imagination.

Every WHO offer can also be called a label. We name or label our partner’s and our own character traits. We label more and more specific details about our relationship.

Establishing the Premise: Who Are We to Each Other?

First, we need to start the scene with a simple but strong RELATIONSHIP choice and label the characters with a basic premise.

For example, I might start a scene saying, “Mom, you’re burning my breakfast!”

My scene partner might “Yes, And…” with, “As my third favorite son, you can’t be too picky. Maybe if you finally got a job and moved into your own place, you could make your own breakfast of choice.”

I could respond, “Mom, I’m still finding myself. I’m not even 30 yet!”

My scene partner could have made 1000+ choices with their response. I could have been a son or daughter, a five-year-old, a teenager, an adult child living at home, or an adult child visiting. This choice implies an older adult child who should have moved out years ago.

My response confirms this choice and anchors the premise of who we are to each other.

Discovering Our Characters Through Play

Don’t think about words; instead, make simple choices and play them. Continue to label each other with WHO choices.

Relationship Exploration:

• Couples: Are you newly dating, married for 50 years, or somewhere in between? What are your shared experiences, inside jokes, or unresolved conflicts?
• Siblings: Who’s older, who’s mom’s favorite, who is more successful? What childhood memories or rivalries do you share?
• Coworkers: Who is more aggressive versus lazy? Who is more senior? Are you friends outside of work, or do you secretly despise each other?

(Give a few examples for each type of relationship)

Other Character Labels:

• Occupation: Student, teacher, banker, doctor, lawyer, astronaut, etc. (List 20 options)
• Emotion/Mood vs. Personality: Is your character happy, sad, angry, or anxious in this moment? Are they generally optimistic or pessimistic? Introverted or extroverted?
• Physical Choices: How is your character like or unlike you? How do they carry themselves – military, stiff, loose, lazy, etc.?

Deepening the Story

As the scene progresses, we learn more about each character: their past issues, current goals, conflicts, and the underlying motivations that drive them. We ask ourselves:

• What are our characters’ goals and motivations?
• What obstacles do they face?
• What are the stakes?
• What is the emotional tone of the scene?

By answering these questions through our choices and actions, we create a richer, more engaging story that will captivate our audience.