Okay, so this is the part I LOVE about this profession, "I'm interested in what it would be like to be you" as Meryl Streep said. There are so many different and interesting characters out there, and I get to become them for as long as I need or for as long as the camera is rolling and we're telling a story, (or as long as I'm on a stage in front of an audience). I fucking love it, it gives me goosebumps just writing about it.
Characterizing is what makes most people misunderstand/freak out about this profession, because they feel it's a bit fuzzy. This is also the part where the actor does most of his job, preparing, reading, thinking and creating. Have you and your friends ever seen a interview with an actor talking about his character. I have, and none of my friends are really in to acting, so they doesn't really understand the art of it, I remember someone said, "it's like they are schizophrenic, it's weird". For me it's normal, because I'm used to it, and I've done it a lot (because It's a big part of the profession). But we are all different, and I'm excepting that everyone can not understand nor become an actor, all the professions out there doesn't fit everyone. I mean I could never become a doctor. (actually I can, maybe I get to play a character who is a doctor. That's another thing I like about this profession but I won't write about that now.)
There are plenty of different techniques, and everyone has his own way of becoming the character. Some famous actors prefer not to tell anyone about their techniques. And I (almost) feel the same way, I feel it's very personal, and my technique might not even work for you. But there is one thing that I've learnt and can tell you, and you'll hear it from other actors as well: Always work from yourself.
