103.1
Acting 103 – Character Challenge
Acting 101 · Exercise
The Random News Character Challenge
§ 01How It Works
Students sit in a circle.
- Student A says one of their random things.
- Student B responds as Character #1.
- Student C responds as Character #2, and so on around the circle.
- When the circle is complete, Student B announces one of their news items, and the pattern continues with Student C responding as the next character on the list.
- This continues until all students have shared their news and responded as multiple different character types.
§ 02Random Things That Happened — Examples
- The cat had kittens.
- My car broke down.
- I bought some eggs.
- I got a run in my stockings.
- I was listening to some music, and this song came on that I really like.
Write your own examples of random things you might tell someone in the blanks below:
· · ·
§ 03Character Types & Responses
01Adventurer
Thrill-seeking or outgoing; craves new experiences; thrives on taking risks.
The cat had kittens
Whoah, that’s crazy, bro! We should take them on a road trip of some kind — no, wait! We could go skydiving with ’em into that live volcano, that’d be insane, man!
My car broke down
I fuckin’ love it, buddy! You wanna go hitchhiking? Or, wait, we could steal some motorcycles and then drive ’em naked through that route where there’s a forest fire!
I bought some eggs
Cool, we should go like down to the neighborhood where they had that big riot last weekend, and start throwin’ eggs at people! Then throw some at those gangbangers in Tacoma! It’ll be fun, let’s do it!
02All About Money
Whatever the situation, only sees it in terms of a chance to make a profit.
The cat had kittens
Do you know how much purebred kittens sell for these days? Even mixed breeds can go for $200–500 each. We need to get them to the vet, get their shots, and start advertising on, like, Facebook, and Instagram. This could be a goldmine!
I bought some eggs
That’s cool buddy. But we shouldn’t eat ’em. See, like, we buy an incubator, get a rooster, raise the chickens, in like two, three months, we’ve turned 12 eggs into a thriving business! Set up franchises, will be on Easy Street for the rest of our lives!
03All About Sex
Whatever the situation, it always comes back to sex.
The cat had kittens
Well, looks like somebody had a good time! Nature is so passionate, isn’t it? All that primal energy and instinct. Makes you think about the raw power of attraction and reproduction. Wanna get it on?
My car broke down
Great, now we’re stranded together… alone… with nowhere to go. Just me and you, in that hot sweater. I love how it shows off your shoulders, if you know what I mean. Maybe this breakdown is exactly what we needed.
04Apologizer / Low Self-Esteem
Constantly apologizing, even unnecessarily. Feels guilty about feeling guilty.
The cat had kittens
I’m just terrible. I must have let them out when I was taking care of them last month. There I go again, making it all about me, me, me, when it’s your news! You’re so patient to put up with me, I know I can be really annoying.
My car broke down
Dude, that’s all my fault. I should have reminded you to get it checked. What kind of a friend am I, I’m terrible! Sorry for being such a burden!
05Arrogant Jock
Overconfident, athletic, and ego-driven.
The cat had kittens
Yeah, that’s what happens when you don’t get your cat fixed. I would have handled this situation way better. I’m great with animals — they love me because I’m an alpha. Hoo-yah! Dudes like me fuckin’ rule!
I bought some eggs
I bought some eggs a couple months ago. I was like, these eggs are five bucks, they cost four fifty last time I was in here! The guy says that’s the price, I can’t change it. I say, yeah? You see this bicep? You want a face full o’ knuckles, with that power behind it? He’s like, sure, right, I’m sorry sir. I walk out of there with three free cartons. That store’s not messing with me again!
06Avenger
Driven by a need to get vengeance or justice for something that happened to him or her long ago.
The cat had kittens
That reminds me of when I was a kid and the neighbor’s cat had kittens, then some bastards came along and took ’em away from their mother too early. Heartless bastards didn’t care. I’m still looking for those sons of bitches. When I find ’em they’ll pay. God, how I’ll make them pay.
I bought some eggs
I remember eggs. I will always remember. My Aunt Millicent choked to death on an egg thirty years ago. I will track down the chicken who laid it, and I will have my revenge. And the universe will know… You are not forgotten, Aunt Millicent. You are never forgotten.
07Free Spirit
Creative and expressive.
The cat had kittens
How beautiful! I can already see a whole series of paintings inspired by this moment. The way the light hits their tiny faces… I gotta grab my brushes!
My car broke down
There’s something almost poetic about that moment — a man caught up in the rat race, then he’s forced to slow down and really experience life. It’s really beautiful in a way. “A man — a car — a life — a star.” Poetry comes from these unexpected moments.
08Brawler
Will pick a fight with anyone about anything.
The cat had kittens
What’s next, you gonna tell me the sky is blue? You sayin’ I’m stupid, cause I don’t got a cat? You got something to say to me, asshole, you fuckin’ say it to my face! Come on, let’s settle this right now!
My car broke down
Your car broke down? Well, that’s just fuckin’ perfect! What do you want me to do about it? You think I’m your personal mechanic? You wanna make something of it? I’m ready to go right here, right now!
I bought some eggs
You know what, loser? Fuck you and your fuckin’ eggs! I have fucking had it up to here with you and your stupid groceries. You and me, man. Right now. I’m talkin’ knives, man. Or maybe guns if you got the cojones. (Laughs scoffingly) I don’t think you do!
09Comedian / Joker
Witty and humorous (or thinks they are).
The cat had kittens
Well, I guess somebody didn’t get the memo about the birds and the bees! Or should I say, the cats and the… other cats? Ha ha! Or maybe dogs — never mind, I do not wanna go around with that picture in my head! Either way, you’ve got a whole troupe of little troublemakers. Whoah, we should start a little puppy and kitten circus!
My car broke down
Let me guess — it just decided to take a permanent coffee break! Well, at least now we know why they call it a “breakdown” — because that’s exactly what I’m about to have! Want to hear my impression of your car’s last words? “Honk, honk, honk! I’m dying, I’m dying, I need a new radiator, or at least a new oil pan, anyway!”
10Cold, Critical & Intellectual
Lacks empathy and sympathy; always points out flaws.
The cat had kittens
This eventuality was eminently predictable. You failed to spay her, and now you have an overpopulation problem. The survival rate for unplanned litters is statistically lower. You’ll need to address the medical costs, housing logistics, and rehoming challenges immediately. What are you waiting for? You just waited two minutes talking to me about it.
My car broke down
Obviously. You ignored basic maintenance schedules and warning signs. This was entirely preventable with proper vehicle care. The repair costs will likely exceed the car’s current value. Poor planning leads to predictable consequences.
11Debbie Downer
Sees the down side in everything, no matter the situation.
The cat had kittens
Just what we needed — more problems. Now you’ll have to deal with vet bills, finding homes for them, and cleaning up after them. Most of them probably won’t even survive, and the ones that do will just end up abandoned on the roadside.
My car broke down
Of course it did. Nothing ever works out anymore. Now you’re going to be stuck here for hours, miss everything important, and it’s going to cost a fortune to fix. This day just keeps getting worse and worse.
12Idealist
Imaginative and idealistic, often lost in thoughts of what could be rather than reality.
The cat had kittens
We should all be like kittens. Sweet and innocent. Going through life in a state of bliss and joy and blessed innocence. Maybe one day the whole world will be filled with that kind of pure love.
My car broke down
That’s just wonderful. Bringing work to mechanics, keeping them employed. Now they’ll be able to feed their families, and get out and do work to save the world. What a blessing, my friend. What a blessing!
13Philosopher
Analytical, logical, or contemplative; values knowledge and questions life’s deeper meanings.
The cat had kittens
This event raises questions about the nature of life, continuity, and our responsibilities as caretakers. Are we witnessing pure biological imperative, or something more profound about the cycle of existence?
My car broke down
Interesting how our dependence on technology creates these moments of vulnerability. This mechanical failure forces us to confront our assumptions about control and predictability. What does this teach us about the human condition?
I bought some eggs
What is life but an egg, my friend? Or a succession of eggs rolling past while we watch idly from our homes, as the years roll like eggs around us? Eggs are all. All are eggs. Methinks that I am but an egg, and thou art, too.
14Liar / Exaggerator
Constantly fabricates stories or distorts the truth.
The cat had kittens
Oh my god, the same thing happened to my cousin’s cat, except she had twelve kittens and they were all different colors! One of them was so smart it could actually open doors. The other ones actually started a new tech company down in Monterey, and is making millions.
I bought some eggs
I bought some eggs once. Brought the carton home, there were like 24 eggs in it instead of 12! Plus, it turned out that they were like these really rare goose eggs. I made a killing. Easy when you know how.
15Schemer / Manipulator
Calculating and charming; uses planning or deceit to influence others for personal gain.
The cat had kittens
Oh, did it really! How very interesting! You know, I have a friend who’s been desperately looking for a kitten — she’d probably pay quite well for one. I could help arrange that for you, maybe take a small finder’s fee for my trouble. A few hundred should do.
My car broke down
That’s a shame, bruh! But it’s also an opportunity. I know a guy who could give you a great deal on a replacement car — I could put in a good word. Of course, I’d need you to return the favor someday. But I won’t ask too much. I promise. Just sign here and we’ll get this deal rolling.
16Nurturer / Caregiver
Caring and loyal… a bit too caring actually. Devoted to helping or safeguarding loved ones at all costs.
The cat had kittens
Oh my goodness! Is the little mama cat all right? I’ll bring over some blankets, and some food, and help you set up a safe space for them. I’ll move in with you actually, to help out. I am not leaving you alone with this, I promise.
My car broke down
You poor dear! You can use mine, I don’t need it really! I can walk to work, a 5 mile walk will be good for me, I need the exercise. I know we just met, but you can keep the car actually. I’ll buy the gas for you, so you don’t have to worry about it, I know it’s so expensive these days.
17Addled Old Nincompoop
Long past retirement age, and a little addled.
The cat had kittens
Isn’t that how life is. Kittens come and kittens go. These little ones will bring you years of joy. Then they’ll die, and the circle is completed. But some new kittens will come along. Reminds me of the first litter I ever saw when I was a child. I was in Memphis back then, or maybe Abilene. I remember this one car, it was a Ford I think…
My car broke down
Cars today aren’t built like they used to be. Back in my day, you could fix anything with a screwdriver and some elbow grease. I remember one car, it was a Buick, I think, or maybe it was a Volkswagen. I was going out with Mabel then, or was that Valerie? She had black hair I remember that. I remember one time when we…
18Orphan
Seeks family or belonging; shaped by abandonment or loss.
The cat had kittens
Look at that mama cat with her babies… they have each other, they’re a real family. That’s so beautiful. I hope they all get to stay together. Every little creature deserves to have someone who cares about them.
My car broke down
I guess that’s just how it goes — you can’t really count on anything to stick around forever. But hey, at least we’re together, right? Don’t ever leave me. I need you. You can stay home today, right? I just need you to sit and cuddle with me for a few hours and tell me again and again and again that it’s going to be all right.
19Worrier
Anxious and constantly worried about what could go wrong.
The cat had kittens
That’s just awful. What if we can’t find homes for them all? What if they get sick? What if the mama cat doesn’t produce enough milk? What if something happens to them while they’re so vulnerable? Why are you just sitting there?! We have to do something!
My car broke down
Cars are terrifying! What if a tire came off when you were on the freeway?! What if it broke down when there was a riot going on?! Please tell me you’re never going to drive again! You could be killed, and I could be killed too if I was with you!
20Self-Centered
Focused only on how the news will affect them.
The cat had kittens
Great, now there’s going to be cat hair everywhere and constant noise every time they visit you. I hope you’re not expecting me to help take care of them — I have way too much shit going on of my own.
My car broke down
Well, this is just perfect. Now I’m gonna be stuck here too because of your stupid car problems. This better not cost me anything, cause I’m not paying.
21Stalker
Obsessive and fixated on a celebrity or other random person; may believe they are motivated by “love.”
The cat had kittens
This is just like when Taylor Swift’s cat had kittens! I’ve been following her Instagram for months, and I know she would absolutely love to hear about this. Maybe I should send her photos — she’d probably want to adopt one!
My car broke down
You know what? This is fate. Just like in that movie where the two main characters got stranded together and fell in love. I bet someone special is going to come rescue us — maybe even someone famous! I should get my phone ready to take pictures.
22Emo / Drama Queen
Reacts to everything with wild emotionalism… turns everything into a story about themselves.
The cat had kittens
They’re so cute! Can I hold one? I won’t drop it, I promise! I’m totally going to post pictures on Instagram. I love cats, but they make me so lonely sometimes. I was crying yesterday when this TV show ended, and, like, Simon said he was going to break up with Lulu. I thought I was going to kill myself, you know?! But my roommate talked me down from it, thank God he didn’t go to work that day! He’s like super cool, he went to Princeton you know, he is sooo handsome!
My car broke down
Wow, that is so annoying! I called an Uber once, and it was like — two minutes! And they were already there! Uber is amazing, it is way better than the other companies! I caught a bus one time and this woman was like looking at me. Then this man with her was too! I told the bus driver, and I had to scream at him to get him to call the police and help me!