Character Embodiment Tips: Bring Your Character to Life

A crucial aspect of character embodiment is to be able to move, pose, and “fight” as your chosen persona. This is especially true during conventions and photoshoots, where people will usually see you as the character, not as yourself in costume. All your efforts in creating your props and armor set will be diminished if you cannot embody your character effectively.

Here are some tips to help you move and transform into your character.

1. Know The Character Intimately

A great way to embody the character effectively is to get to know them as if you’re getting to know a friend. Watch and read as much material about them as possible so that you would understand them better. Try to memorize their usual catchphrases and embody their personalities as much as you can, so that when you’re in an event or photoshoot, you know exactly what to do. Body language is often a result of innermost thoughts, so the more you FEEL like your character, the more you will MOVE and TALK like your character.

2. Practice Practice Practice

Before you attend an event or shoot, try practicing some trial poses by yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and see how much you can imitate your character’s signature poses. Prepare some posing pegs so that you can be guided on what you can do. You can first try it by yourself to warm your body up, then do the same poses again with full costume and props, so that you can do the necessary adjustments. The more you practice, the better you’ll develop the muscle memory for the poses, and the more awesome you’ll look in photos.

Some shoots and events may require you to actually move like your character in costume, with full props. Instead of photo pegs, try imitating your character’s signature moves as closely as you can, down to the minute details. Do they swing their weapon a certain way? Do they fight with a smile or a scowl? Do they scream a lot, or do they fight quietly and methodically? Take note of all these things. The better you imitate them, the more you’ll embody them effectively.

3. Learn From Other Cosplayers

Another effective method would be to go around events and attend shoots with other cosplayers. Try to see how they embody their respective characters and even ask for advice from them if you’re playing the same persona. Some of them may be more experienced than you and will definitely provide helpful techniques you can use on your own as well. They may also have helpful cosplay hacks that will inspire you and aid you along the way.

Take note of these tips and follow them as much as you can, so that you’ll have a better experience during events and shoots. You’ll feel more like your character in no time.