Reference: Hayes-Roth, B.; Gent, R. v.; & Huber, D. Acting in Character. Knowledge Systems Laboratory, March, 1996.
Abstract: We are studying personality in synthetic actors. In particular, we are working on actors that can improvise joint performances of scenarios defined by three dramatic constructs: role, plot, and character. In this paper, we report an empirical study of two actors that are embodied as animated human figures and perform a classic master-servant scenario. Each of these actors can be directed to assume either of the two roles. They can be directed to perform different plot variations. They can be directed to invest their characters with distinct personalities defined in terms of status variables. We argue that, for synthetic actors, we do not need to simulate a comprehensive psychological model of personality, but rather to create the theatrical illusion of character.
Full paper available as ps.