Meaning: Genevieve Bujold, a renowned actress, once said, "The main thing in acting is honesty, to feel the humanity and get to the essence of the character. You can't put anything into a character that you haven't got within you." This quote encapsulates the essence of acting and the depth of understanding required to truly embody a character.

Acting is a craft that demands a deep connection to the human experience. It requires the actor to tap into their own emotions, experiences, and understanding of humanity to bring a character to life. Bujold emphasizes the importance of honesty in acting, highlighting the need for authenticity and emotional truth in portraying a character. This honesty is what allows the audience to connect with the character and the story being told.

To "feel the humanity" in acting means to empathize with the character and their journey. It involves understanding the motivations, fears, desires, and complexities that make the character human. This deep sense of empathy is what allows actors to convey a character's emotions and experiences in a way that resonates with the audience. It requires a willingness to explore the depths of the human condition and to portray it with sincerity.

Getting to the essence of the character involves delving beyond the surface traits and delving into the core of who the character is. It requires an understanding of the character's history, psychology, and relationships, allowing the actor to inhabit the character in a way that feels genuine and multi-dimensional. This depth of understanding enables the actor to breathe life into the character, making them relatable and compelling to the audience.

Bujold's statement also touches on the idea that actors must draw from their own experiences and emotions to fully embody a character. She emphasizes that actors cannot authentically portray something that they do not understand or have not experienced themselves. This speaks to the personal investment and vulnerability required in acting, as actors often need to access their own emotions and memories to bring a character to life.

In essence, Bujold's quote speaks to the profound emotional and psychological work that goes into acting. It is a craft that demands introspection, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience. To truly embody a character, an actor must be willing to explore the depths of their own humanity and draw upon it to create a compelling and authentic portrayal.

Overall, Genevieve Bujold's quote encapsulates the essence of acting as a deeply human and empathetic art form. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, empathy, and personal investment in portraying a character, highlighting the emotional and psychological depth required to bring a character to life on stage or screen.