This is a technique as well as an exercise (ie. it can be used in performance but it’s also an exercise in its own right).
Character painting (similar to Scene painting) means building up fictional details as a group but instead of a room, it’s a person.
A student starts by coming into the space and detailing a single physical characteristic.
She is wearing a loose blue shirt.
They describe that aspect in as much detail as they want.
Simultaneously, another improviser comes in to physicalise the part. Throughout the rest of the exercise they will make subtle changes to their posture and facial expression in line with what the group paints.
The next improviser adds another characteristic. Something that makes sense after the first thing.
People can add physical or mental attributes.
You keep doing this until the character feels fully formed.
You may then decide to do a second character.
Those characters then do a scene or monologue (optional but fun).
Use the rule “If this is true, what else is true?” to help you know what to add in next. The character should appear cohesive.
As above, this is a performance technique and can be used ‘as is’ in shows.
You can do this as part of a Scene painting - who would live in the room you’re describing?
It’s a lovely feeling when you use and expand on someone else’s idea:
She is wearing a badge on the left pocket of the blue shirt. It says “Ask me about our Waffle Buffet!”