Character Study

character study May 25, 2023

Yellowjackets Has a Plan for Other TaissaThe series writers confirm they know exactly what’s going on with Taissa Turner’s alter ego, even if the two actresses who play her do not.

By Jen Chaney

character study Dec. 9, 2022

How Ava Coleman Became Abbott Elementary’s Engineer of ChaosScammer, step instructor, sorority girl: Janelle James made the role of a “precocious child trying to do the job of a principal” her own.

By Roxana Hadadi

character study Oct. 27, 2022

How Tati’s ‘Redefining the Idiot’ on Los EspookysAna Fabrega finds emotional truths in the HBO comedy’s most oblivious character.

By Jackson McHenry

character study Apr. 19, 2022

How Alan Zaveri’s Humanity Became His Superpower in Russian DollCharlie Barnett used a character inspired by himself to reveal some deep truths about the nature of existence (and grow an exquisite mustache).

By Roxana Hadadi

character study Dec. 26, 2021

How Kelli Prenny Went From Insecure’s ‘Eye-Roll Friend’ to Zany Voice of ReasonAfter her unexpected casting, Natasha Rothwell brought essential depth to Insecure’s comic relief.

By Radhika Menon

character study Oct. 17, 2021

How Gerri Got Promoted From Side Character to Key Player on SuccessionFrom pointed glances to an escalating affair, J. Smith-Cameron turned a functional role into Waystar Royco’s most compelling company woman.

By Jackson McHenry

character study Oct. 4, 2021

How ‘Wags’ Became the Hedonistic Heart of BillionsInside the making of Bobby Axelrod’s “fiery id,” from his pilot evolution to perfecting the jaunty upturn of that devilish mustache.

By Sean T. Collins

character study July 22, 2020

How James Roday Rodriguez Became Psych’s Real Fake DetectiveFrom the bromance to the catchphrases, and everything in between.

By Devon Ivie

character study July 13, 2020

How Guillermo Found His Power on What We Do in the ShadowsMaking Staten Island’s sweetest and most loyal vampire assistant (who’s secretly great at killing vampires).

By Kathryn VanArendonk

emmy insider July 8, 2020

How James Marsden Became Dead to Me’s ‘Semi-Identical’ TwinsThe journey from Steve the douchebag to Ben the nice guy.

By Jen Chaney

character study Apr. 7, 2020

How Moira Rose Became Schitt’s Most Lovable DivaMaking the former soap star, current Jazzagal, and indefatigable matriarch of the Rose clan.

By Jessica Goldstein

character study Mar. 2, 2020

How Kim Wexler Became Better Call Saul’s ‘Impending Tragedy’The slow unraveling of Saul’s Über-competent, perfectly ponytailed fan favorite.

By Jen Chaney

character study June 21, 2019

Making a (Cheerful and Optimistic, If Not Particularly Talented) MurdererHow NoHo Hank, Barry’s scene-stealing, endlessly quotable would-be crime boss, was inspired by an Apple Store employee.

By Charles Bramesco

character study July 4, 2017

Alison Brie Discusses Her Character in GLOW’s ‘Abortion’ Episode“This is a show about women’s bodies and about them taking control of their own bodies,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.

By Trupti Rami

character study Apr. 13, 2017

Toxic Nice Guys Are Hollywood’s New Favorite VillainJason Sudeikis in Colossal is the latest nice guy with a hidden dark side.

By Jordan Crucchiola

a retrospective Mar. 23, 2017

Forget the Taxes, Wesley Snipes Is a Great ActorIt’s not that he didn’t do enough to be considered an all-time film icon. In fact, he may have done too much.

By Kevin Lincoln

character study Mar. 22, 2017