Here are a few examples of physical characters in drama and theatre:
Animals: Animals can be portrayed by actors in costumes or through puppetry, animatronic devices, or other theatrical techniques. Some famous examples include the title character in Peter Shaffer's play "Equus," which features a horse that becomes a powerful symbol of the play's themes.
Objects: Inanimate objects can also be personified and given human characteristics. For instance, Bertolt Brecht's play "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" includes the use of a baby doll to represent the central conflict over the custody of a child.
Forces of nature: Natural elements like storms, winds, or even personifications of seasons or weather conditions can be portrayed as characters in a theatrical production. These characters often represent external forces that impact the human characters and contribute to the play's narrative.
Abstract concepts: Abstract ideas or concepts, such as love, death, or fate, can be embodied by physical characters in drama and theatre. These characters often have symbolic roles and help convey deeper meanings or allegorical representations.
Physical characters can be a powerful tool for creating visually striking moments, conveying thematic ideas, and engaging the audience in unique ways. They allow playwrights and directors to explore storytelling beyond the limitations of human characters, expanding the possibilities of theatrical expression and interpretation.