When you are in any social setting there are key elements to consider when you want to impress others – a formula that truly speaks volumes without saying a word. This is the same technique that European nobility has used for generations to impress and instil awe into their subjects. It was methods like this that helped the aristocrats convince others that they were closer to divinity than anyone else.
Now there is no reason that you can’t use these same techniques to impress everyone around you and get the full potential out of your characters.
This isn’t something that you can only use when you want to play characters with money, fame, or those looking for glory; you can use these same key methods with every character you ever play. And the best part is that once you have learned the formula it really isn’t all that hard.
Who knew that everlasting success when building your character is only 3 steps away?
• Ensure that your costume or garb is excellent to behold. The essence of excellence depends entirely upon the character that you are looking to play – a costume that is excellent for one character may not be excellent for another. They key here is that no matter what look you are going for you need to be sure that your costume reflects your character perfectly.
The state of your costume, whether clean and crisp or dirty and wrinkled, says a lot for your character. Good quality fabrics and a clean look shows self respect and value where as a wrinkled dirty look with tattered clothing tells others an entirely opposite story.
You know that your costume is excellent to behold when it tells the story of your character without ever having to say a word. The best way to portrait the story is to use colors, patterns and symbolism that is clearly related to your character’s persona.
Don’t be afraid to use a little stereotype in your costume to help you do this because what they mean to the masses has already been imprinted in the minds of your viewers. Use that existing imprint to your advantage to create a clearer picture of what your costuming reflects (your character).
• Don’t play the part – be the part. This all boils down to one thing – body language. When your mind is in sync with the character that you need to portrait then your body language changes to present that. Over 60% of ALL communication is done through body language.
As a species we are programmed to look for the signs of deceit, danger and uncertainty as a form of survival. This is one of the ways that we know someone is being shallow or not telling us the truth – that gut instinct that tells us that something is wrong.
When you focus on the ‘acting’ part of playing a character instead of the ‘being’ part your body language can easily shift to tell everyone else that ‘you are not who you are pretending to be.’ This can be rather easy to do since we actually aren’t who we are pretending to be but the key is to get past that.
I find that one of the best ways to get around this is to compare my character to a movie character who I find similar to the concept I am role playing. For example if I wanted to play a hardened warrior who respects his fellow soldier and is loyal to his country then might think of Marcus Aurelius from Gladiator. Then I would try to personify that character through myself and ‘be’ as similar in presentation to that character as I can.
Once you are comfortable with that you can add other character quirks that suit your character better. This will help to complete the transition from your modern self to your character. This transformation will show in the way that you walk, gesture, stand, or even survey the area – your entire body language transforms with you.
• Polish your appearance so there is nothing to question. “It’s the little things that count” doesn’t only apply to everlasting relationships with a loved one. It’s the little things that will make or break whether or not others believe in the presence that you project with your character.
The foremost little thing is your body language but since we already covered that it’s time to get a little more specific. Go over every visible inch of yourself and ensure that it is precisely the way it should be to BE this character.
o Do you require makeup to play this character? If so then ensure that it has been touched up to perfection.
o Don’t forget your hair! Hair is often overlooked due to time constraints and the fuss involved. Come prepared and be sure to do your hair in a way that matches the character’s personality and concept. Put clips, ties, or a head-dress on if required but most of all do not ignore it!
o Does your character wear accessories? This can include anything such as rings, earrings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, a crown or tiara, sash, henna designs, temporary tattoos, or bells and whistles. You don’t need to be limited to the short list shown here – be sure to use your imagination.
Your accessories do not have to scream “LOOK AT ME!” They are a way to bring your character’s look to completion. If they are present and they suit your character they are often enough to clinch the deal so that when someone looks at you they see a complete character.
When you do it right hardly anyone will notice the work that you have done to make everything perfect and often they won’t notice the accessories that you have put on but as soon as you fail to do so everyone will notice that something is lacking with your costume.
Although these steps are easy to do don’t be discouraged if they take some time. Each character that you play has a unique signature look in your mind and it may take some time to gather the costume parts, accessories, and other details that best suit your character. Even if does take you some time the payoff is well worth it.
I remember when I started LARPing my friend Rob had an excellent costume and had a picture in his mind of the character that he was supposed to be playing. Although he had never played in a LARP before – ever – others were quick to assume that he had travelled from a nearby game and must have been a powerful character.
Their assumptions were based completely on his excellent in-depth role playing and his impressive costuming. They were beside themselves when he told them that it was his first LARP experience.
Using the same technique that Rob and many others have used throughout history I’m confident you can bring your character to new heights.
I hope that these tips have helped. If there are any questions about them please let me know.
Best of luck in all your future LARP endeavours,
Kevin Tjia
support@larpsolutions.com
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