One Christmas Carol
by Douglas H. Baker

The neutral personality of the actor chosen for the play.

A bit stiff, as if limited movement will waste less energy. He is tight both physically and money-minded, self-confined in his own world, unable to adjust, not wanting to adjust, stubborn, determined to be stubborn, self-pitying only in an angry, self-absorbed way, cautious and ready to pounce. He is afraid to feel and afraid of pain through a tender heart.

A tall, thin man, fragile in self-confidence, strong in spirituality, bounding with youthful spirit. He is sincere and loving, walks lightly, and is timid. His power lies in his honest convictions and simple pleasures.

Is perpetually positive. He has a healthy happiness bursting with energy. He is romantic and handsome with pure mother's innocence. He is idealistic and hopeful for a better world. He is never a victim.

Never seen without his business companion. Whenever we see Portly Gent, he includes his partner in the conversation through eye contact and gesture. He is big-boned and blustery. He has a festive business demeanor, easily flustered, friendly but ineffective without the support of his partner.

Approximately 10 years old. He is diminutive, innocent, has a sweet sincerity and is a painter of beautiful imagery.

Old, bound up, pulling himself along (opposite of dragging). He is worn out but driven, impatient, lonely, wanting and needing for himself. He has an urgent frustration, but reluctantly resigned to a constant heavy burden. It is important to play him with a desire for a better existence and not as a creature “beyond all hope.”�

Described in the book as not old and not young. Christmas Past is neither male nor female. It is memories full either in joyful or painful experiences. This character never opens its eyes but uses grand gestures to physically embrace the positive memories with round open arms or push the negative memories physically away.

A comparable character to Boy Caroler. He is 12 years old, lonely, empty, longing, breathless, and wanting.

A little girl about 8 years old. She is playful and giving. Overly excited, exuberant and unable to stand still. Her bright-eyed energy is infectious. She is in a hurry, and will not be denied.

A big, round, bouncy, lovably boisterous man. He is joyous of life at every moment, nurturing and huggable, willing to laugh at himself.

Are only small moments in the Fezziwig scene. They are moments of dancing, or cheering in differing qualities giving the scene the feeling of a party. Each moment of a character needs to have a simple but concrete tempo and intensity and physicality to depict varied characters in the warehouse.

Petite and lovely. She is lovingly sure, gentle, forgiving and humble yet never angry, but sad in her loss. She is resigned but firm in her resolve to end her relationship with Scrooge.

Plenty and bursting with positive happy energy. This “hope of new beginnings” has a huge, rich heart. He is bigger than life, proud and strong with little patience for Scrooge's pessimistic attitudes.

One boisterous boy, a representative of a small group of child carolers singing a carol very loud and in haste. This single child sings with excitement, bouncing and bold, competing with his fellow carolers. They are completely in their own world.

Fully a woman with a worn life experience. She is layered with responsibility and bravely embraces it. Physically quick, she is excitable, proud, loving and well-kempt in her poverty. She has a slight biting protectiveness.

Young in maturity about 18 years old. She is sweet but still a girl, fun loving and giggly. She is never physically still in her dialogue exchanges though she has a moderate level of young adulthood.

Are a boy and a girl too young to be different in quality of character. They rush in, circling their mother and looking up at her, excited beyond control. They are seen again “placing chairs for everyone”� and do this in breakneck speed with the clumsiness of reaction before planning.

The Cratchits' second daughter. She is old enough for responsibility but young enough to give into the temptation of a sneaky taste of the applesauce.

A boy of about 14 trying to prove his capable hands. He fiercely mashes the potatoes as if racing to a finish line.

A young, six-year-old boy. A symbol of love and innocence in a small, vulnerable, godly package, smallest of them all with a big heart of pure love.

Experienced, wise, and rich with swelling love for his family. He is tired but excepting, touching, and embracing. He knows the importance beyond the veil of this life.

A tough hard worker, sure and hearty with a bit of a soft sentimental side.

A playboy, young and sneaky in a playful way.