Michelle Monaghan Quotes

When it's a bigger character, and there's a lot going on for her, and there are all these different elements that go into the character, I just love being able to dive into it.

I don't really ever think about whether or not I like the characters I'm playing. I'm more into the minutiae of their behaviour or what they're doing in a certain scene.

For me, when I'm making a movie I like to stay in character throughout the day.

I like doing character movies. I like doing movies about personal situations; that's what I love about dealing with things.

I am good when there is something central about the character. There is always a human theme I attach myself to. I am really looking for something that is moving or enlightening or something with depth as an actor. I look for these kinds of roles.

I love exploring the characters that I play, but the reason I sign on for something isn't the details of the story but the universal message.

Once you're playing someone, you shouldn't be judging them in any way. That's what being an actor is - it's having empathy for people that are different from yourself. Once you've committed to that person, your responsibility is to tell that story.

For me, it's all about smaller character-driven pieces, about finding a person that I connect with and that I'm interested in bringing to life.

All you ever really want is a great character and great writing. As an actor, that's the juiciest sandwich you could ever ask for.

I try to inhabit each of the characters as fully as I can, however short-lived they are. But most of my show happens offstage.

Well, it was very interesting to play a character and stretch it over such a long time - 12 episodes. I had never done a TV show before, so week to week it was unclear what we would be asked to do.

I just try not to look at any role as a comedic role or a dramatic role. I just try to stay in the movie I'm in.

I never really thought about what characters I play. I always just wanted different characters.

If you can just actually let the character be for a bit, then you get the right sense.

In terms of the character itself, I can't really say that I find anything really difficult. I enjoy the character so much I don't perceive difficulty in trying to be him. It's just a matter of how do we get there.

I am attracted to the complexities and deeper truths of characters, and I can't name a favourite role any more than I can name a favourite food!

I don't really worry about the size of the part much any more. It's nice to have more time to work on the character, and to have big scenes to play. But if there's something playable there, and if it's interesting to do, then that's nice.

On 'Swingtown,' I think that's when I was able to blend the character-slash-leading lady roles, and that's what I'm doing on 'Once Upon a Time' as well. She's a leading lady, but she's also this character.

When you see something that is well-written, the actors can get behind it.

If you know exactly what your character knows, it's a drama.

I usually don't find myself reacting to my characters. I just create them ... And let the audience decide whether they're empathetic or scared or compelled to cheer me on.

I care about all the characters I play, and I get quite defensive about them.

Actors are really working with bodies, with their minds, and with their emotions. Feelings, basically. That's what movies are about, going from one feeling to another.

I like character-driven stuff. It doesn't matter, the size of the part.

I've always been interested in character-driven pieces, and my approach to directing is through acting.