New Martha Byrne Interview

Two-time Emmy winning actress Martha Byrne, who left AS THE WORLD TURNS after more than two decades in April, has given a wonderful interview with TV Guide Canada's Nelson Branco.

Byrne, like many soap actors I've met, seems to really understand the issues plaguing daytime soaps today.

"Daytime is all about character, which is why it’s always been successful. The problem is when you try to infuse plot into a character’s life without explaining why, well, the viewers tune out. Fans need to know why someone is acting the way they do — and we need to see the consequences of those actions. Because I’m writing a lot now, I have Marland’s bible and rules near my desk — which is all about one thing: character, character, character! The stories will take off themselves, and like you said, flow organically if the character comes first. If you focus on plot, then it’s also very difficult for the actor because the character’s growth and trajectory is [thickly veiled]. It’s no secret Douglas respected the fans. I kept a New York Times article in which he was quoted: 'The audience is always two steps ahead of me; I got to find a way to stay three steps ahead of them. So my goal is to be unpredictable.' That’s what an audience wants to see — period."