Meaning: This quote by Judi Dench, the esteemed English actress, provides insight into her approach to character development and her creative process as an actress. Dench's statement reflects the importance of understanding a character's physical appearance as a foundational element in her approach to building a role. In this quote, Dench emphasizes the significance of establishing a clear image of the character's physicality early in the process, describing it as a template that she can then expand upon to fully inhabit the role.

Dench's emphasis on understanding what she looks like as a character early on in the process speaks to the significance of physicality and appearance in her approach to acting. For Dench, establishing the visual representation of the character serves as a crucial starting point from which she can then delve into the intricacies of the role. By gaining a clear understanding of the character's physical presence, she is able to use it as a foundation upon which to build the character's personality, emotions, and motivations. This approach allows her to fully inhabit the role and bring the character to life on stage or screen.

Dench's statement also highlights the balance between the external and internal aspects of a character. While she acknowledges the importance of working on "the other bits" beyond just the physical appearance, she emphasizes the necessity of first establishing a clear understanding of the character's visual representation. This approach suggests that for Dench, the physicality of a character serves as a guiding force that informs and shapes the internal aspects of the role.

Furthermore, Dench's use of the term "template" to describe the initial visualization of the character's appearance provides insight into her methodical approach to character development. By conceptualizing the character's physical presence as a template, she indicates that this visual foundation serves as a structural framework that she can then flesh out with the character's personality, mannerisms, and emotional depth. This systematic approach allows her to methodically build and develop the character, ensuring that the visual and internal aspects are intricately linked and fully realized.

Overall, Judi Dench's quote offers valuable insight into her approach to character development and her methodical process as an actress. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the character's physical appearance as a starting point, she provides a glimpse into the meticulous and thoughtful approach she takes in crafting her performances. Dench's approach underscores the significance of physicality in shaping and informing the internal aspects of a character, ultimately contributing to the depth and authenticity of her portrayals on stage and screen.