Mapping the Gang Hierarchy
In DNA, what the characters do not say is often more important than their dialogue. Examiners expect you to write heavily about facial expressions, nervous tics, eye contact, and how the actors use props (like Phil's food) to show their shifting status within the pack.
Click a character to reveal their acting profile.
Click on a node in the web to view their vocal and physical acting strategies.
The Silent Psychopath
The center of gravity. He rarely speaks, preferring to eat. When he does speak, his chilling logic dictates the survival of the pack, no matter the human cost.
Completely monotone. Zero inflection or emotion, even when ordering a murder. A slow, deliberate pace that forces everyone else to wait for him to finish.
Terrifying stillness. A relaxed, open posture. Unblinking eye contact when giving orders. He uses his props (waffles, ice cream) to show how little he cares about the panic around him.
The Moral Conscience
Desperate for Phil's attention and validation. She speaks in massive, rambling monologues to fill the terrifying silences he leaves, eventually realizing she must escape the toxicity.
Rapid, breathless pace. High pitch that cracks when she is insecure. She frequently asks questions and leaves no pauses, terrified of what the silence means.
Constant fidgeting (wringing hands, shifting weight). She constantly manipulates proxemics, moving into Phil's personal space seeking comfort, then retreating when ignored.
The Broken Leader
Starts the play attempting to rule through fear and intimidation. However, the stress of the cover-up completely shatters his fragile authority.
Loud, aggressive volume used as a weapon ("bite their face"). However, his voice should tremble or crack on certain words, revealing the panic beneath the bravado.
Tense, rigid posture. Puffs out his chest to look physically larger. As he loses control, he should use jerky, defensive gestures and avoid eye contact with Phil.
The Sadist
Finds the violence and the drama of the cover-up exciting. She lacks any empathy and slowly rises to become the brutal new leader of the pack by the end.
A bright, enthusiastic tone, completely inappropriate for the grim situation. She giggles when discussing the police, using an upbeat pace to show her lack of remorse.
Highly energetic and bouncy. She uses sweeping, confident gestures. As she gains power, her posture becomes taller and she takes up more space on the stage.
The Weakest Link
The physical manifestation of the group's guilt. The pressure destroys him mentally. He is bullied, threatened, and eventually medicated into compliance.
In Act 1, a stuttering, whispering, tearful delivery. By Act 3, his voice is breathy, detached, and child-like, marked by sudden, inappropriate fits of giggling.
Cowering. He should keep his physical level low to the ground (crouching or hugging his knees) to show submission. In Act 3, his movements are loose, uncoordinated, and absent-minded.