"Always, whether you're playing a fictional character or someone who lived, it is an active invention, because you have to tell the story, play the character that's been described in the script, and try to feed as much detail as you can, " she has said.

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It is through habitual practice, says James, animated by a free and active will, that we develop a strong moral character, regardless of circumstance.

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By the end, he has lived through enough tragedy and triumph to fill several lives: "Ray" doesn't minimize its hero's character flaws, infidelities or various addictions, even though Charles took an active part in the production before he died in June.

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