get into character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get into character" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an actor or actress who is preparing to take on a role in a play, movie, etc. For example: "The actor had to spend several hours getting into character before filming began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others found ways to get into character.

The New York Times

How to get into character.

The New Yorker

We wanted to get into character".

The Guardian - Music

Does that help you get into character?

The Guardian - Music

There's something primal about her, and listening to the Prodigy's Breathe helped me get into character.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Q. Did you have a process for how you'd get into character?

The New York Times

In order to play Office, I had to get into character.

The New York Times

He didn't diet to get into character, he told The Associated Press.

The New York Times

At first, Ms. Blanchard used her personal life to try and get into character.

The New York Times

In Unbecoming you write from two very different perspectives, how do you get into character?

The Guardian

To get into character, the actor brother spent time researching the writer brother's milieu.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get into character", consider the context. This phrase is most appropriate when discussing acting, role-playing, or performance scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "get into character" in situations where simply preparing for a task or adopting a mindset would be more appropriate. It specifically implies assuming a role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get into character" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of an actor or performer immersing themselves in a role, adopting the personality, mindset, and mannerisms of the character they are portraying. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get into character" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the process of embodying a role, mainly used in the context of acting. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it's advisable to use this phrase when referencing performance-related scenarios, related alternatives include "embody the character" and "adopt a persona".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become the character

Emphasizes a complete and convincing transformation into a role.

embody the character

Stresses the physical and emotional representation of a character.

transform into the character

Emphasizes the act of changing oneself to become like the character.

immerse oneself in the role

Highlights the depth of engagement and preparation for a character or role.

channel the character

Suggests acting as a medium through which the character is expressed.

adopt a persona

Emphasizes the adoption of a particular image or identity, which may or may not be theatrical.

prepare for the part

Focuses on the preparation aspect before playing a character.

assume a role

Focuses on taking on a specific role or responsibility, but not necessarily in an acting context.

develop a character

Highlights the creative process of building a fictional personality.

get into the spirit of

Broader application to situations beyond acting, focusing on embracing an atmosphere or mindset.

FAQs

How is "get into character" typically used?

The phrase "get into character" is commonly used to describe the process an actor or performer undergoes to embody a role. It involves adopting the mindset, emotions, and mannerisms of the character they are portraying.

What's a simpler way to say "get into character"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "embody the character", "become the character", or simply "prepare for the role".

Is "getting into character" different from "finding your motivation"?

While both relate to acting, "getting into character" refers to the overall process of assuming a role, while "finding your motivation" focuses on understanding the character's underlying reasons for their actions.

Can "get into character" be used outside of acting?

While primarily used in acting, "get into character" can be used metaphorically to describe adopting a specific persona or mindset for a particular situation, such as "adopt a persona" for a presentation.