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In film, television, theatre, and other media, an actor is a performer who assumes a character's identity, speaking lines and performing actions as that character. A character is a fictional or historical figure created by writers; the character has traits, goals, and backstory that guide how they behave and what they want.

The relationship between actor and character is interpretive: performers choose facets of the role, applying acting techniques to convey emotion, motivation, and subtext. Casting selects which actor will portray a character; auditions explore fit, while direction and rehearsal shape performance. In screen media, a character's depiction may continue across episodes or installments to preserve continuity; in stage work, the performance must be live each night. Voice actors render characters through vocal traits, and motion capture or animation may extend the portrayal beyond live action.

Across media, more than one actor may portray the same character in different adaptations, reboots, or timelines. Representations, accessibility, and cultural context influence casting and interpretation. Critics and audiences may engage with who the character is and what they signify, sometimes prompting revisions in later works. The actor's interpretation is a key element of the character's identity, alongside the writer's creation and directorial vision.