I talk, but I do not speak my mind I hear words, but I do not listen to thoughts When I wake, all see me When I sleep, all hear me Many heads are on my shoulders Many hands are at my feet The strongest steel cannot break my visage But the softest whisper can destroy me The quietest whimper can be heard.

Why this works

This riddle cleverly plays with the various roles and characteristics of an actor. The phrases "I talk, but I do not speak my mind" and "I hear words, but I do not listen to thoughts" highlight how actors deliver lines and portray characters without revealing their true selves or personal opinions. When it mentions "When I wake, all see me" and "When I sleep, all hear me," it refers to an actor's presence on stage or screen versus their absence when the performance is over. The "many heads are on my shoulders" symbolizes the different characters or roles an actor embodies, while "many hands are at my feet" suggests the support staff behind the scenes who help bring the performance to life. The line about the "strongest steel cannot break my visage" indicates that an actor's face and persona are resilient in the face of criticism, yet "the softest whisper can destroy me" alludes to how damaging rumors or negative feedback can affect an actor's career. Overall, the riddle captures the multifaceted nature of being an actor in a creative and metaphorical way!