The strange thing is, if I was speaking to drama students about the thing that you should do if you're lucky enough to know or to meet the character that you're playing, I'd say, 'It's obvious: you quiz them diligently about their experience.'

Rhys Ifans’ quote, "The strange thing is, if I was speaking to drama students about the thing that you should do if you're lucky enough to know or to meet the character that you're playing, I'd say, 'It's obvious: you quiz them diligently about their experience,'" emphasizes the importance of understanding the character one is portraying. Ifans suggests that, as an actor, if you have the rare opportunity to meet someone who shares similarities with the character you are playing, it is vital to engage with them and ask insightful questions about their life and experiences. This process of inquiry allows the actor to gather deeper, more authentic insights into the character's emotions, behavior, and mindset.

The use of the word "quiz" here reflects the actor's proactive approach to understanding the character. Ifans advocates for a thorough investigation into the character's past and experiences, as it helps the actor bring a more nuanced and realistic portrayal to the performance. The idea is that an actor’s success in capturing the essence of a character lies in the ability to gather information about their lived experiences, which informs the authenticity of the portrayal.

Ifans' suggestion reflects his belief in the importance of immersion and preparation for actors. Rather than relying solely on their imagination or script analysis, Ifans argues that actors should take advantage of any real-life experiences or insights available to them. By asking direct questions, actors can uncover details that may not be evident from the script alone, thereby adding depth and truth to their performance.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Ifans' extensive experience as an actor in both theater and film. Known for his versatile roles, Ifans has likely had to delve deeply into a variety of characters, understanding their inner workings through research and interaction. His advice to drama students is based on the idea that the best performances come from a deep understanding of the character's background and perspective, and that this understanding is often gained through direct inquiry and engagement with real-life sources.