How Method Actors Create Character Roles1

This paper studies character-role creation by Method actors to begin developing a sociological understanding of artistic creativity and shed light on the construction of social roles. Portrayals on film or stage reflect but also importantly shape audience’s understandings of social life. How do actors create these portrayals? The analysis of interviews with and observation of Method actors shows that they employ a variety of creation strategies, which are shaped by artistic conventions and transmitted in educational settings and professional interactions. Striving to create lifelike portrayals, actors draw heavily on culturally available images and end up reproducing existing typifications and cultural mores.