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Stanislavski for TTRPGS: Make NPCs Feel Alive Using Acting Theory

RPG PHD

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Dr. Ben discusses Stanislavski, and how to make NPCS come to life. (Episode #151). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp

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00:00 Intro
00:59 Given Circumstances
03:52 Objective, Obstacle, Tactic
07:56 Status Transactions
12:55 Subtext as Action
17:10 The Moment Before
20:09 How To Guide
34:35 Final Thoughts
36:13 Thoughts?
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Stanislavski, Constantin. An Actor Prepares. Translated by Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood, Theatre Arts Books, 1936.
Stanislavski, Constantin. Building a Character. Translated by Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood, Theatre Arts Books, 1949.
Mamet, David, and William H. Macy. A Practical Handbook for the Actor. Vintage Books, 1987.
Hornby, William H. Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers. Focal Press, 2006.
Johnstone, Keith. Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre. Routledge, 1979.
Johnstone, Keith. Impro for Storytellers. Routledge, 1999.
Hagen, Uta. Respect for Acting. Wiley Publishing, 1973.
Hagen, Uta. A Challenge for the Actor. Scribner, 1991.

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20 Comments

@Mwrp86 9 months ago

Thanks, Russell Crowe for this amazing acting lesson

@bigelms4954 9 months ago

If you’re feeling lost on what objectives an NPC might have, I usually rely on the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and go down its list:

1. Physiological Needs (Food, water, shelter, sleep etc.)
2. Safety Needs (Security, stable income, health, property)
3. Love and Belonging (friendship, intimacy, family, community)
4. Esteem (respect, self-esteem, status recognition)
5. Self-actualization (the desire to become one’s ideal self)

@chrisragner3882 9 months ago

I used this approach (an actor myself) and the result was the party offering their services to the BBEG.

@LCReedux 7 months ago

Thank you for this ❤ I’ve been looking for something like this for a while but mostly just find videos on voices or improv. This was perfect.

@heikomoller2364 9 months ago

Wow.. your videos are getting incredibly good recently! This is pure gold.

@roysourboy358 9 months ago

Thinking about The Moment Before like that is a game changer, ty!

@jamesrichards2276 8 months ago

This post deserves many, many more likes - the clear, concise explanations of the acting principles are extremely useful; this is going to transform the social scenes in my RPG sessions! I have a tonne of ideas to make them more organic and dynamic, thanks to the tips you have provided. Thank you!

@PureEvil3D 9 months ago

Kudos for the Holst in the background in the intro.

@Spectre2434 6 months ago

❤❤❤❤ I've done this for years ! Bravo !!!

@Asinikill 9 months ago

I love listening to you at work, I always feel a spark of excitement to create after your videos. That's been rare, so thank you for your educational and helpful content. Happy Holidays <3

@mikelundun 9 months ago

Absolutely incredible and informative piece of work! Thank you!

@lelandwhitehead56 9 months ago

Settling in with a Dr Pepper, let's go. Quality videos as always!

@erichrpg 9 months ago

If you're not familiar, Robin Laws did a lot of work on turning the Objective / Obstacle / Tactic into a systematized game in Dramasystem aka Hillfolk RPG.

@DrXtoph 2 months ago (edited)

You are the bomb - what great help this is!

@thomasfenner3048 9 months ago

This is a fantastic video. Thank you for the last couple running down acting theory in a really accessible way. I have shared them with a couple of my players. Hoping the algorithm takes off soon!

@diegotartaglia 9 months ago

That's some deep and precious advice, man. Thanks for the video, very interesting.

@tuomasronnberg 9 months ago

Very good video! I like the practical advice and examples you give, this method seems both powerful and easy to implement.

@JeanPhilippeBoucher 9 months ago

Solid video and advice again, I love how complete and practical they are.
It's interesting how a lot of these tips are also writing tips!
It seems to me that the portion that this technique is least interested in - specific tactics preferences and personality - is where a bit of Chekhov's gesture would fit nicely.

I'm also thinking a lot about how to integrate these into my play when I'm not the GM and finding it just as inspiring! Thanks !

@Resileaf 9 months ago

Why yes, I do believe I will use one or more of these techniques tonight. :D

@henningpfeiffer6496 9 months ago (edited)

Thanks for another great video! Your content is really original and deep.

There's a technique/improv game by Keith Johnstone called "Fast Food Stanislavski". Looks an awful lot like 'acting random tables'. It's all about objectives and approaches and has proven quite valuable for my depiction of NPCs.