Memorable Characters: Mini-Series (part 2)

In the second edition of this series, I ponder on the role of memory, in our experiences with playing, watching and performing improv. How many of us remember what we play and for how long? Does the player remember more or the audience? Why do we remember and why do we forget?

For those, like me, who retain every little detail of everything they play, improv nostalgia can be both a gift and a curse. And those who forget quickly afterwards, like our very own Nirvi Maru, can enjoy the present moment and move on to experience the new one.

So a memorable character is not necessarily our best ever, but the one that lingers on, for some unknowable reason. Maybe a special occasion, a smell, an outfit. A bold choice, that catches us off-guard. A new side is revealed that we didn’t even know existed, or reminder of a special someone in our past.

For Nirvi, this character was Zoe, played at Impro Amsterdam 2025, in a show titled ‘The Reunion.’

Tell us about this format. What was the setting of this show?

The format I played was a mono-scene, which takes place entirely in real time. We are in a reunion, where we knew each other from 10 - 15 years ago, as members of a high school orchestra band. Now in a get- together, at the house of one person from the group.

Ah! And what type of a person was Zoe in the universe of this high school band?

She was the most ambitious player on stage, from this group. So I wanted to go out there and make it really big and I was happy to even break the band up. You know, one of those characters who is a frontliner and tries to go out on their own to start a solo career?

Yes. So a girl with big dreams. What was the most enjoyable thing about playing her?

Yes, that was the character. But I was in love with the least ambitious character - who was very happy being an artist, who never really grew in life. I enjoyed that dichotomy, of being this very annoying person but also a very human moment of being attracted to someone that was entirely the opposite of me. And not getting love or validation back because they didn't find this quality attractive in her. 

But the heart wants what it wants! So you could explore this paradox in her story?

Yes, I really liked that a mono-scene allowed for this complexity. You could also see the character arc from being a young person to also trying to belong to this group. Her sense of ambition had isolated her, so not a lot of people from her old group really liked her. It made me realise how much I like the format, and how satisfying it was to play this character consistently through one show.

Was there something funny she said or did on stage? A quote perhaps?

How she just progressively got very drunk. Also ate chips in awkward moments or answered questions awkwardly with other questions, while other characters were having an emotional moment. At some point, I kept repeating  the line ‘you can do better!’, it was three times in the whole show, but with less conviction each time. So the second time, I'm doubting myself a bit, and the third time there's zero belief.

Sounds hilarious! So what made this character so special and memorable?

It was an Impro Amsterdam show - it was very fun! I sometimes feel like we play heightened versions and weird alter-egos of ourselves. Which made this character very close to my heart. How to support other characters but also make sure that I stay true to mine, that was deeply enjoyable. There was great chemistry and synchronicity with the other characters on stage, so everybody left satisfied with the resolution.

As a character, Zoey reflects all the contradictions and messiness of being human. Having fears and desires, wanting love and acceptance, and growing from past mistakes, as an individual trying to belong with others.

At easylaughs, we have workshops and courses that focus on building Characters and Relationships. Discover our upcoming classes here.