--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I like to play complex characters and the…" description: "\"I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it's more interesting really. I've gotten to play so many types o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3a/forest-whitaker-3022_character_i-like-to-play-complex-characters-and-th_1845272.jpg" --- # I like to play complex characters and the duality, and… ![“I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it's more interesting really. I've gotten to play so many types of guys and I just try to find the humanity in each one of them the best I can.” quote by Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3a/forest-whitaker-3022_character_i-like-to-play-complex-characters-and-th_1845272.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3a/forest-whitaker-3022_character_i-like-to-play-complex-characters-and-th_1845272.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3a/forest-whitaker-3022_character_i-like-to-play-complex-characters-and-th_1845272.jpg) > “I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it's more interesting really. I've gotten to play so many types of guys and I just try to find the humanity in each one of them the best I can.” [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He values exploring complex, dual characters, seeking humanity in each role. **In simple terms:** He enjoys playing layered characters and finding their humanity. Key Takeaway Seek depth in every role you portray. Themes acting character study humanity duality exploration Mood reflective inspired thoughtful Type motivational inspirational When to use this quote - auditions - role preparation - character analysis - career development Key Concepts psychology empathy identity creative process Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance personal identity with character immersion? - What methods help you uncover a character’s humanity? A Different Perspective Complex roles may typecast actors, limiting opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Characters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/characters/) [Complex characters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/complex-characters/) [Complexes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/complexes/) [Duality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duality/) [Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Type of guy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/type-of-guy/) ## Related quotes > [Im still young and know I will be able to show people that I can play much more complex characters than anything Ive done…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keira-knightley/im-still-young-and-know-i-will-be-able-to-show-people-that-i-can-play/) [Keira Knightley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keira-knightley/) > [If you want to play a complex, turmoiled character, then give him a dose of Catholicism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-cox/if-you-want-to-play-a-complex-turmoiled-character-then-give-him-a/) [Charlie Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-cox/) > [“For the vision of a novelist is both complex and specialised; complex, because behind his characters and apart from them must stand something stable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/virginia-woolf/for-the-vision-of-a-novelist-is-both-complex-and-specialised-complex/) [Virginia Woolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virginia-woolf/) > [From a purely craft standpoint, a simple character has a single motivation, while complex characters have two or three or more motivations, at least…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-petrie/from-a-purely-craft-standpoint-a-simple-character-has-a-single/) [Nick Petrie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-petrie/) > [The degree of talent, the size of the gift, is immaterial. All artists must listen, but not all hear great symphonies, see wide canvasses,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-l-engle/the-degree-of-talent-the-size-of-the-gift-is-immaterial-all-artists/) [Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-l-engle/) > [ We're interested in complex characters and he's a complex character, \[J. Edgar\] Hoover. I like these types of dramas. I've made a few of… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-grazer/we-re-interested-in-complex-characters-and-he-s-a-complex-character-j/) [Brian Grazer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-grazer/) > [After the complex characters in 'Mayaanadhi' and 'Varathan,' my characters in 'Vijay Superum Pournamiyum' and 'Argentina Fans Kaattoorkkadavu' were bubbly ones.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aishwarya-lekshmi/after-the-complex-characters-in-mayaanadhi-and-varathan-my-characters/) [Aishwarya Lekshmi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aishwarya-lekshmi/) > [I totally respond to complex characters, and I'm not interested in anything too simple.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-fischler/i-totally-respond-to-complex-characters-and-i-m-not-interested-in/) [Patrick Fischler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-fischler/) > [My Family and Other Saints echoes Gerald Durrell's classic memoir, My Family and Other Animals, not only in its title, but in its wonderful…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-barrington/my-family-and-other-saints-echoes-gerald-durrell-s-classic-memoir-my/) [Judith Barrington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-barrington/) > [I always look for interesting, complex characters. You know, interesting, well-written material.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-underwood/i-always-look-for-interesting-complex-characters-you-know-interesting/) [Sam Underwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-underwood/) > [That is something that's been a cornerstone for me for forever. I want to play multilayered, complex characters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/da-vine-joy-randolph/that-is-something-that-s-been-a-cornerstone-for-me-for-forever-i-want/) [Da'Vine Joy Randolph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/da-vine-joy-randolph/) > [As for dream roles, they usually just speak to you. I just crave complex characters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirsten-prout/as-for-dream-roles-they-usually-just-speak-to-you-i-just-crave/) [Kirsten Prout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirsten-prout/) > [I was a little hippie on a world backpacking adventure, and suddenly I became a vampire princess. I still find it hard to believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucy-fry/i-was-a-little-hippie-on-a-world-backpacking-adventure-and-suddenly-i/) [Lucy Fry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucy-fry/) > [ I know I'm not normal in this, but \[ Severus \] Snape is absolutely my favorite character in the Harry Potter books. He is… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/megan-chance/i-know-i-m-not-normal-in-this-but-severus-snape-is-absolutely-my/) [Megan Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/megan-chance/) > [I am interested in complex characters who are difficult and have numerous sides. But I would love to do a comedy role - something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eugene-simon/i-am-interested-in-complex-characters-who-are-difficult-and-have/) [Eugene Simon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eugene-simon/) ## More by Forest Whitaker > [To try and act like we haven't had great progress is not true. Obama didn't fail - he changed the psyche of the nation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/to-try-and-act-like-we-haven-t-had-great-progress-is-not-true-obama/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [In high school, I did some musicals, but I never took acting until college. I was studying opera, classical voice, and a speech teacher…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/in-high-school-i-did-some-musicals-but-i-never-took-acting-until/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [I'm really excited that people are receiving my performance like this. It makes me feel good, because I've been working really hard. And this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/i-m-really-excited-that-people-are-receiving-my-performance-like-this/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [If I go to a reunion in east Texas, my mother's side or my father's, one out of ten is a preacher or a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/if-i-go-to-a-reunion-in-east-texas-my-mother-s-side-or-my-father-s/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [ As an artist, it's a great opportunity to play a character like this \[Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland\]. And… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/as-an-artist-it-s-a-great-opportunity-to-play-a-character-like-this/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [I can play a man who's despicable. But I'll still look inside him to find a point of connection. If I can find that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/i-can-play-a-man-who-s-despicable-but-i-ll-still-look-inside-him-to/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [It's all about destiny. That's why people look at the zodiac or the I Ching - because there's a certain order to life, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/it-s-all-about-destiny-that-s-why-people-look-at-the-zodiac-or-the-i/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [My wife is completely different from me: she's good with everyone, whereas I'm good at directed conversation when I have a purpose for it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/my-wife-is-completely-different-from-me-she-s-good-with-everyone/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [I was a curious child. I'd debate with anyone who came to the door - people from the Islamic community... Jehovah's Witnesses... anyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/i-was-a-curious-child-i-d-debate-with-anyone-who-came-to-the-door/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [There was a time in my acting career, where I was trying to figure out if acting was the thing to do. You know?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/there-was-a-time-in-my-acting-career-where-i-was-trying-to-figure-out/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [The first time I ever went out of the country, it was to London. I was with the choir from my college, and we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/the-first-time-i-ever-went-out-of-the-country-it-was-to-london-i-was/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [If I were to mark three, I'd mark Bird, because I grew immensely as an artist, I learned a lot, and also, I think,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/if-i-were-to-mark-three-i-d-mark-bird-because-i-grew-immensely-as-an/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [I try to be like a forest: revitalizing and constantly growing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/i-try-to-be-like-a-forest-revitalizing-and-constantly-growing/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [I stay true, because whatever the project is, I'm still looking for inside of that character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/i-stay-true-because-whatever-the-project-is-i-m-still-looking-for/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [It's a contract of connection to be in the same space and watch and listen to stories and be caught in them. When you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/it-s-a-contract-of-connection-to-be-in-the-same-space-and-watch-and/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) [Explore all 142 Forest Whitaker quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) David Hudgins > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [Your looks don't make you pretty, it's the person inside who makes you pretty!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-chan/your-looks-don-t-make-you-pretty-it-s-the-person-inside-who-makes-you/) [Aaron Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-chan/) > [I'm not a huge social media kind of guy, so I don't really know, I don't really ever get... at least in real life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-stroma/i-m-not-a-huge-social-media-kind-of-guy-so-i-don-t-really-know-i-don/) [Freddie Stroma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-stroma/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it's more interesting really. 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