A character reading is an answer to “who is this person?”, supported by the script. This lesson gives you an evidence grid that shows where each part of your reading comes from.
It is part of the SPM subjects and learning resources. When you start rehearsing, continue with reviewing a rehearsal decision through recorded observations.
What is the say, do, others-say grid?
Draw three columns. Under Says, write lines the character speaks.
Under Does, write actions and stage directions. Under Others say, write what other characters say about them.
Then write one sentence for each column saying what it shows. Your reading is the idea that appears in at least two columns.
Worked example: an original scene
Scene (original). Mr Tan, a shopkeeper, is closing for the night. A boy, Izzat, rushes in, out of breath, and asks for a packet of rice on credit. Mr Tan sighs, turns the sign to “Closed”, then opens the drawer and hands over the packet.
He says, “Pay me when you can. Go home before it rains.” Later, Izzat’s sister says, “He always says no, then does it anyway.”
Evidence grid:
| Source | Evidence | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Says | “Pay me when you can. Go home before it rains.” | Gives the credit and adds a caring instruction |
| Does | Sighs, turns the sign to “Closed”, then opens the drawer | Hesitates, then helps |
| Others say | “He always says no, then does it anyway.” | Gruff outside, kind inside |
Reading. Mr Tan appears gruff but is kind-hearted. The sigh and the closed sign show reluctance; the credit and the concern about the rain show care. Izzat’s sister confirms that this is his usual pattern.
The reading is supported by all three columns, which makes it stronger than a reading based on one line.
The mistake: an opinion with no evidence
The common slip is “Mr Tan is kind” with no line to support it. The marker cannot tell whether you read the script or only guessed.
| Step | Weak | Stronger |
|---|---|---|
| Claim | “Mr Tan is kind” | “Mr Tan is gruff on the surface but kind underneath” |
| Evidence | (none) | “Pay me when you can” and the sigh before he opens the drawer |
| Explanation | (none) | The sigh shows reluctance; the credit shows care |
Choosing the strongest lines
Pick lines that show a choice, not lines that merely give information. A line where the character decides between two options reveals more than one that only states a fact.
If you have too many lines, keep the two that most clearly support your reading and explain them fully.
What can be taught online?
Analysing a script and writing a reflective explanation can be done in one-to-one online lessons. Performing, rehearsing and any assessed practical work stay with your school and teacher, and assessment requirements are confirmed with them.
Check yourself
Scene (original). Puan Salmah, a teacher, finds a student, Dina, crying in the empty classroom. Puan Salmah says, “Take your time. I’ll mark these while you’re ready.”
She sits at the back and does not look at Dina. A classmate later says, “She never makes you talk.”
Write a one-sentence reading of Puan Salmah, supported by two columns of the grid.
Answer
Reading: Puan Salmah is gentle and respectful of Dina’s privacy.
Evidence: she says “Take your time”, which offers patience (Says), and she sits at the back and does not look at Dina, which gives her space (Does). The classmate’s “She never makes you talk” confirms the pattern (Others say).
What to study next
Build a grid for a short scene you know, then check your written reasoning with the structured-answer self-review tool. Continue with reviewing a rehearsal decision through recorded observations.
If you want a teacher to discuss your character readings, see online one-to-one Acting tuition.