What is "method" acting primarily characterized by?

"Method" acting is primarily characterized by the use of personal memories and emotions to create a sense of realism in character portrayal. This technique focuses on tapping into the actor's own experiences and feelings to deepen their connection to the character they are embodying. By drawing from personal insights, actors can make their performances more authentic and relatable, allowing audiences to connect with the character on a more profound emotional level.

The emphasis on introspection and emotional truth is a hallmark of method acting, which aims to bring characters to life in a way that feels genuine and lived-in. This approach can lead to deeply nuanced performances, as actors strive to fully inhabit their roles.

While other methods of acting may incorporate elements such as stage techniques or improvisation, these are not defining characteristics of method acting. Instead, method acting uniquely emphasizes the actor's internal emotional landscape as the cornerstone of their performance.