Read the entire script thoroughly while analyzing your character's interactions, activities and conversations. Examine how the character fits into the overall plot of the play, movie or television show. Make notes about your character's motivations, which reveal his true personality.
Pretend to be your character for an entire day. Go about your daily activities with the continuous thought, "What would this person do, think, say and feel?"
Draw from your own experiences to make your character's emotions and actions seem real. Even though you're playing a role, you must draw from your own inner resources to make the role come alive. For instance, if your character is involved in a scene in which she is elated and overjoyed, think about a time when you felt intense joy.
Write an obituary about your character. Although it may seem a little morbid, this exercise causes you to focus on the main themes, accomplishments and experiences of a character's life. This helps you to understand your character more deeply.
Write down the opposite personality traits of your character. Jot down what he is not like and what he wouldn't do, think, feel or say based on his role in the production. Understanding who your character is not helps you to pinpoint more about who he really is.