Star Chamber.

Initial response to text and characters.

After reading the script for the first time it made me start to think about the type of characters these people would be. The two that stood out in particular were, Hester and Johnny. I think these two characters are the most eccentric out of the group and they would be the most interesting to play. The character of Xenia seemed to be the important member of the group, not only because she is the president but also because all the other characters and action in the piece seems to revolve around her.

Once I found out I was to be playing Xenia, I looked into this character in more detail. I think she is the type of person who looks very well presented, cares about what she wears and how her makeup looks. I also think she cares about what other people think of her. This may be because she is important, or it may be because she is quite insecure and thinks she has to please other people. Whenever she speaks within the play, it always seems to be about herself, or her dog, Atherton. This shows she is quite self centred and thinks highly of herself. When someone asks her a question nine times out of ten she doesn’t answer them directly. This could be because she doesn’t know the answer or just because she has a lot on her mind everything seems to come out all at once.

I imagine her to be very over the top, as she is an actress she expresses her feelings very well. With big hand gestures and over dramatic speeches about things such as the dog smelling. Because the rest of the group are also actors and actresses I think everyone within the play competes with each other to be heard and to voice their opinions. I feel that Xenia would use the role of president at the times she wants everyone to listen to her, and when she wants to be centre of attention. Apart from this don’t think she over uses her power as such. She doesn’t seem the type to drop into everyday conversation that she is the most important person in the group. Unless someone does something to annoy her.