breaks character
Exits the role
Breaks character describes a performer stepping out of a role they've been playing, revealing the person underneath.
An actor might break character by laughing during a serious scene, or a method actor refuses to break character even off set.
The phrase extends beyond theater: The politician's composure cracked and he broke character, shouting at reporters.
Someone maintaining a persona—a stern boss, a cheerful host—breaks character when authentic emotion interrupts the performance.
- role-playing gameFictional character simulation
- fourth wallInvisible stage-audience barrier
- actorOne who portrays characters
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- personaAssumed public identity
metafiction · improvisation · avatar · composure · corpsing · cracking up · comic relief · dungeon master · authenticity · dramatic irony · stage · vulnerability · parody · SNL sketch · blooper reel · satire · self-reference · role