P2. Character design theory

"Character design is the combination of physical traits and narrative"

Narrative/storyline - want it to go with the physical traits. It also defines personality and gives context (genre, location and setting), therefore has to feed into look and design of the character. The face is the primary channel to express emotion. (- a reason for the many large headed characters) A lot can be said with posture and body language. This allows for personality traits to be identifiable in silhouette.

Solarski states that, how a character carries their physical weight can tell us about their personality - which body part they lead with is important. For example a hero, Superman leads with the chest and if they lean with their pelvis they are laid back/lazy. Also people that lean with their head are intelligent. People that lean with their knees are a bit of a coward.

Cuddy - Power and dominance revolves around expanding power! Expand - take upspace weakness: cover up make yourself small.

Leading with chest:

Superman, heroic - leads with chest.










Leading with pelvis

Goofy,  laid back and lazy.










Leading with head

Guru, villain - intelligent







Leading with knees

Timmy Turner