In her 40s
1 daughter - 17 years old
Widowed - arranged marriage at 19 to Edward, died 8-10 years ago
Poor - compared to "glory years" of the estate 20 years ago
Generous - gives alms, food, takes in orphans/staff as she can
Polite & well-mannered - honest
Private - for propriety, keeps opinions to herself unless provoked
Mother - nurturer
Does not hold grudges
Can see & respect/love people despite difference of opinion
Protective - of self, family, their legacy
Smart - logical
Lacks affection - won't seek it out
Relationship to Hannah
Loves her - doesn't know how to be close to her
Protects her
Spent 8-9 years of her life shutting her away per Edward
Feels guilty Hannah found Edward
Took more/better care of Edward than Hannah
Jealous of her future life and status
Argumentative relationship
Goes to find Hannah herself after a fight
Following some exercises exploring self/relationships:
- Has a hard time beginning conversations with Hannah-- unless being critical. Doesn't like to discuss hard things. WRACKED WITH GUILT.
- Has a hard time talking to Grandie-- loves her very much, respects her, finds it easier for others to "baby" her.
- Does not see herself as a good mother-- due to being not overly emotional as a mother. Isn't sure what a "mother" really is. Didn't ever think about wanting children, just know it was part of her future as an heiress wife. Takes care of people but doesn't know if that's being a "mother."
- Would like to leave Ireland ASAP. Will think of Ireland often (constantly) but won't miss it. Has few "happy" memories-- has always been too thoughtful and weighed down by duty/structure.
- Cares for community-- would hire more staff if she could afford it, gives what she can.
- Doesn't say more than she needs to, EVER-- usually less than she needs to (to Hannah and Grandie). Has a hard time answering questions about herself, speaks specifically, easy to engage/question people she's not close to.
- DOES NOT BELIEVE IN GHOSTS-- knows she experienced something but WILL NOT discuss it or entertain the possibility that it was a ghost.
Is it better or not to share intellectual thoughts about characters through process? To dissect or not as we go? To what extent? Dependent on relationships within the world of the play?
Factual things about Madeleine can be determined by what she doesn't say, and by how she says what she does say. It IS in the text.
Questions
Is Edward my cousin? - Yes, probably from one of the "four wives," since Grandie is my grandmother but both our married names are Lambroke.
What is Madeleine's religion? Is she religious?
Why isn't Madeleine haunted by the room? Or is she?
RP forces me to slow down-- think through lines and what I'm saying, why and how to say it.
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