"I tried to copy some of his mannerisms at first but it didn't work. And then I just let the spirit of the character grow in me and it just took its rightful place. I started to speak the lines and it felt right"

In this quote, Derek Luke assesses his procedure of embodying a character for a function, describing a journey from imitation to credibility. Initially, Luke attempts to reproduce another individual's quirks, most likely somebody who motivated his representation. This is a typical technique for actors seeking to record the essence of a character, as quirks can convey substantial insights into a character's personality and emotion. Nevertheless, Luke rapidly discovers that mere replica doesn't work for him. This could indicate that attempting to simulate somebody else felt inauthentic or required, failing to capture the real essence of the character he intended to represent.

The shift in his method is marked by a shift from external mimicry to internalization. Luke explains "letting the spirit of the character grow in me," recommending a more organic and intuitive process. This can be analyzed as enabling himself to connect more deeply with the character's inspirations, emotions, and background, allowing a representation that resonates more really. This transformation from external mimicry to internal development indicates a much deeper alignment in between the star and the character, where the lines in between the 2 blur.

Luke's mention of the character taking its "rightful place" mentions finding consistency and balance in his representation. It shows a positioning between the star's own impulses and the character's essence, producing a cooperative relationship where the actor is both directing and being guided by the character. When he keeps in mind that he "started to speak the lines and it felt right," it signifies a minute of authenticity and confidence gained through understanding, instead of superficial imitation. This sensation of rightness likely shows that his portrayal accomplished depth and fidelity to the character's real nature, which can deeply resonate with audiences. This procedure highlights the psychological and mental depth required in acting, highlighting how true compassion and understanding of a character can go beyond simple replica.