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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 instill 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 persona is only 3 steps away?
• Ensure that your court 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 battlefield garb is expected
to show the signs of having been in battle…
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.
·
Do you require makeup? If so then ensure that it
has been touched up to perfection.
·
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!
·
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
playing many years ago, my friend 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 before – ever – others were quick to assume that he had traveled
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 he and many others have used
throughout history I’m confident you can bring your persona and roleplay to new
heights.
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 instill 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 persona is only 3 steps away?
• Ensure that your court 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 battlefield garb is expected
to show the signs of having been in battle…
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.
·
Do you require makeup? If so then ensure that it
has been touched up to perfection.
·
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!
·
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
playing many years ago, my friend 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 before – ever – others were quick to assume that he had traveled
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 he and many others have used
throughout history I’m confident you can bring your persona and roleplay to new
heights.