Photoplayer Hater

There are those times when things don't seem to be coming together. You aren't quite sure who this character is or the things you are trying don't feel right. This isn't the time to sulk about your weak technique, it's time to get physical.

Hair, Makeup

Your character does his or her hair each day. Most people don't have a hairdresser to quoff their locks on a daily basis so this is something that can help you connect them to their real life. They also put on their own makeup, if they wear any. These are the kinds of routines that can help you get a first hand view of what their life would have been like and also give you that physical feeling of being somebody else.

Dress

Not only do they dress themselves each day, they also likely picked the clothes out themselves. Dressing like the character over and over can help you understand a part of them previously unavailable to you. Take a good look at their clothes. What other clothes could they have chosen but didn't and why? Clothing is one of the most indicative parts of our personality and they can help you come closer to an authentic portrayal.

Daily Routine

Aside from the hair, makeup, and clothing rituals they do each day there are likely many other things they do on a frequent basis that would help you understand them. Some of these tasks might be indicated in the script and others might simply be suggested or implied. If you put on makeup then you also have to take it off each day. If you wear clothing you also have to store it when you're not using it. Also there are many human activities they have to do and they likely do them like nobody else. Create a way for them to brush their teeth or eat breakfast. Make up a way to walk and bedtime ritual.

Environment

One thing that may be in the way of full comprehension of a character is where they live. You may live in a house but your character's scenes all take place in a small apartment. Whatever clues you can get from the script use them to transform your surroundings to those like your character's or go find a place like them. Keep in mind these surroundings will be commonplace to the character and that's what you want for you. You want to be able to react to the surroundings like it was second nature. No surprises, just genuine behavior.

Sometimes a character eludes us and we have to chase it. Don't lament the fact that this character isn't as easy as others, enjoy the chance to get more fully acquainted. Sometimes these tips will do the trick and other times it may seem a waste of time. Even if it doesn't add to the performance of your current character it will add to life experience, which will prove invaluable throughout your acting career.