Improv Games to Help You Walk in Your Characters’ Shoes

What does it feel like to walk in your character’s shoes? How do they move? How can we step into the mind and body of our characters to begin to see the world through their eyes?  Today, we’ve based our blog post on a webcast led by founder and Executive Director of The Society of Young Inklings, Naomi Kinsman: 

Writing is all about the choices you make along the way. Part of what makes your writing voice unique is the way you choose to tell the story you choose to tell. So, why not play a fun game to help you make those important story choices? You can choose to play these games one of two ways: on your feet or in your seat! The choice is now yours.

Let the games begin!

ACT 1

To begin, focus on your main character or pick a specific character.

1. If your character were going to do something recreational, such as going to an amusement park or a movie, a play or a party, would your character go:

A) Alone 
B) With a group

2. If your character were going on vacation, would they choose to stay in:

A) A hotel
B) in a tent/outdoor accommodation

3. If your character were sitting around a campfire or at a party would they be more likely to:

A) Tell a story 
B) Listen to a story

4. If your character had an important birthday celebration coming up for a friend or family member, would your character be more likely to:

A) Make a gift
B) Buy a gift

5. Imagine that your character gets into a lot trouble. Would they be more likely to respond with:

A) Reasons and logic 
B) Tears and emotion

6. If your character had to write one of these kinds of things, would they be more likely to write:

A) Poetry
B) A newspaper article

7. In order to explore an idea, would your character be more likely to:

A) Create a list
B) Make a collage

ACT 2

Find a free space to move or close your eyes and imagine:

How does your character move? At what speed? 

Now move/imagine your character is moving at a slightly faster speed than normal. Moving only in straight lines and turning only in 90 degree angles. Then transition into curving lines. Noting how your character navigates. What does their body language convey? Then return to your character’s regular walking speed.

Next, think about your characters feet. What shoes are they wearing? Does your character have feet or hoofs or claws? Now you’re walking in your character’s shoes or “feet”, whichever the case may be.

Move up to your character’s legs.

How would your character move?
Do they wear pants, shorts, a skirt? Do their legs have feathers, fur or scales? 

Think about your character’s torso, from shoulders to hips. What kind of shirt do they wear, or what colors are their feathers? 

Think about your character’s hands. What might they be carrying? Do they have a cellphone handy, a bag? Do they tend to keep things in their pockets? Do they fidget with their hands? Play with their hair? Explore different habits they may have. Pay attention to your character’s hands while they walk.

Think about your character’s face. On a regular day, what kind of expression might they wear?

What does your character do to prep for the day? Do they have a morning ritual to get ready for the day? Do they put on makeup, do their hair, eat breakfast, drink coffee, let the dog out? Does your character pack a bag for the day? Think about this morning ritual as having a beginning, middle and end. What are your character’s specific actions?

How does your character feel while going through their morning routine? Are they hurried? Do they take their time? Are they sleepy, energetic?

Think of a day in the life of your character that you want to explore. What does your character expect to happen on that day? An activity, event, meeting? Maybe something big happened yesterday, and now they have to face reality, today. Now, go back to your character’s regular morning ritual. How does this information affect their movements? Now, go back to the beginning one more time and turn on your internal monologue. What would be going through their minds? What kind of thoughts would they be having?

ACT 3

Think of a space that belongs to your character. Their room, hideout, evil lab, nest. If your character has no personal space, think of an item that is personal to them, maybe a backpack. What’s in it? What items does your character consider important enough to need everyday. Now, think about how your character personalizes this space. 

Go to a door. Think about what this door looks like. Is it wood. metal, simple or ornate? How do they get through this door? A key? A touch pad? A secret code?  The door opens. Your character walks in. Now, visualize what’s there.

What is the largest object in this space? A piece of furniture, a TV, a tree. Notice the details. What makes it significant to your character? What is an object that reminds your character of a proud moment? A plaque, a trophy, a gift, certificate, medal, photograph? Think about the moment they received the object and why it makes them feel proud? How do they personalize their space? Do they hang up posters, pictures? Is it organized or messy? What objects exist in this space because they matter to your character? What objects may have been given as a gift? Who gave the gift to your character and why? Are they photos or a photo album? What memories are contained in the photos? What might be broken or irritating in this space? Something your character wishes they could fix.

Take one last look around the room for any other details you may have missed that could be important to your story.

The Society of Young Inklings is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth writers, ages 8-18. Their programs launched in 2008 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through their work (and play!) with thousands of students and educators, they developed and refined Writerly Play, a game-based approach to the creative process. The Society of Young Inklings now offers online mentorships, writers’ circles, and courses. Stay in touch by following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Top photo by DANNY G on Unsplash.