If you like imitating specific or generic characters, there are a few tips and tricks to work on your acting. “Acting” like a character while cosplaying will add value to your costume, even if the original isn't very similar or great. Acting like a generic character requires more flexibility and creativity, but it helps if you understand anime or manga in general.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Acting Like a Generic Character
Step 1. Determine the basic personality
Anime and manga characters are not much different from people in the real world. There are characters who are shy, witty, sarcastic, etc. Even if you don't imitate a "special" character, it helps if you have some kind of basic personality. If this personality is successfully displayed, you can add touches that make the character resemble an anime or manga character.
- If you are confused about choosing the personality you want to emulate, try choosing a personality that is totally opposite to yours. If you are a shy person, try to act like a brave character and always be upbeat!
- Try to create a character based on the personality of an existing character. For example, you could try imitating Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy 7."
Step 2. Exaggerate your emotions
If you watch anime or read manga, you'll notice that the reactions of the characters are quite extreme. Choose the basic personality you want, and go over it. If you want to be happy, be extra happy. If you want to appear serious and cold, be extra cool or serious.
- One well-known example of a character is Edward Elric from "Fullmetal Alchemist". He will get angry "big" when someone mentions his short stature.
- There are also many types of character archetypes without emotion. Instead of being overbearing, try to hide it and be cool, calm, and calm.
Step 3. Include some habits or gestures
Everyone has their own habits, such as twisting hair, or a unique way of laughing. Anime and manga characters too. One good example is L from "Death Note" who likes to scratch his toes. Even if you act like a generic character, your acting can be enriched by including unique habits or gestures. Here are some examples for you:
- Sarcastic characters usually cock their eyebrows
- Shy girls usually play with their hair.
- Enthusiastic characters usually like to throw their fists in the air.
- Tsundere characters usually like to cross their arms and frown, especially when talking to their crush!
Step 4. Prepare your character's signature sentence
Similar to habits and gestures, typical, frequently spoken sentences will help bring out the anime and manga atmosphere. One popular example is Naruto, who often says "Datebayo!" (trust me!) Other examples include: feh, meh, and baka (stupid). If you have a favorite anime or manga character, feel free to use their signature line or phrase for inspiration.
Step 5. Try a tsundere-type character if you want to explore two different sides of a character
Tsundere is often seen as calm and calm, except when he is with his crush. In such cases, a tsundere blushes easily and often acts maliciously to hide his feelings. This character "will" help the person he likes, but is usually followed by the sentence:
- "Not that I like you, huh!"
- "I did it just because I like you. Don't think anything weird!"
- If a tsundere accidentally touches the person they have a crush on, they will say: "It's not that I touched you on purpose. Don't get too excited, okay?"
Step 6. Choose a kuudere type if you want to be a calm, cool, and serious character
These three traits are the hallmark of kuudere, especially in difficult situations when everyone else is panicking. This character tends to speak in a monotone and is afraid to show his emotions or weaknesses, and is a natural leader. However, they still have a soft side that is only shown to people they trust. Sometimes that person is the person being admired, but sometimes it's not.
- Reduce emotions and focus on facts. See that flower over there? Don't mention how beautiful the flowers are or how you feel when you see them. The flower is red. That's it.
- Keep expressions to a minimum. A small, faint smile is enough if your crush says something funny.
- Kuudere can be a curmudgeon or a dry sense of humor.
Step 7. Try a dandere if you don't mind being shy or a little antisocial
Deep down, dandere also wants to be easy to get along with. However, they are too shy or afraid to open up. Dandere will open up when close to someone, and is usually cute and optimistic. Due to their quiet and shy nature, the dandere may seem a little emotionless, but it is not as cold as the kuudere.
- The best way to show your shyness is to mutter a lot of "uh" or "um." You can also speak in a stammering or very smooth manner.
- Most dandere rarely talk, unless provoked or forced (eg called to the front of the class).
- You don't have to be completely antisocial. Many danders have one special person who they often chat with.
Method 2 of 3: Acting Like a Certain Character
Step 1. Select a character
Most people find it easier to imitate characters whose personalities are similar to their own. On the other hand, some people like to imitate characters that are totally opposite to their own personality.
Try starting with two characters: one who is similar in nature to you, and one who is the complete opposite. If one of them is difficult to imitate, focus on the other character
Step 2. Study their scene
If possible, read manga and watch the anime. Take note of how the characters react in different situations. Pay attention to the character's range of emotions and behavior when happy, sad, angry, or scared. Learn how characters behave with different characters: family members, friends, foes, and strangers.
- Watch more closely if the character is stoic. This type of character still shows emotion, although it is very vague.
- Don't stop at anime or manga! If the character also appears in the video game, watch the scene in it.
Step 3. Read about your character on the internet
The internet is a repository of information. If possible, try to find the official anime or manga website, and read information about your character. You can also read fan-made sites, but read them with skepticism. Many fans add their own interpretation which is not necessarily canon (norm).
Step 4. Imitate the way the character speaks
That doesn't mean you have to imitate the character's voice, although it can't hurt to try. Instead, try to imitate the way the characters speak. Was his speech fast or slow? Loud or smooth? Does the character's voice reflect a wide range of emotions or is it cold and empty? Notice the rise and fall of the pitch of the voice. Try to imitate when you speak.
Step 5. Learn some phrases
You can level up by learning some of the phrases your character speaks. If you imitate certain characters, you will need to learn basic Japanese words or phrases.
Step 6. Check the character's posture and body language
Acting is not just talking and imitating the facial expressions of characters. Re-watch scenes of your character, and notice how they stand, walk, or move. Shy characters usually like to bend down and try to "hide" behind their hands. Arrogant and self-assured characters usually stand tall, hold their heads high, and puff out their chests.
Don't forget their uniqueness! Does the character have a special uniqueness? Does the character like to play with hair or do other special gestures? Take notes
Step 7. Consider having items that characterize your character
If your character is famous for possessing a certain item, try bringing something similar! One example is Light from "Death Note", who often carries a Death Note book. Another example is Nekozawa from "Oran High School Host Club," who always carries a Beelzenef doll with him.
Don't rely on this stuff. Use it only as a complement to “boost” your acting
Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Hold Back
Step 1. Understand that not all characters are acceptable
Your character's behavior may be considered normal in his world. Some of his attitudes may not be appropriate in our world. Even at conventions, there are some behaviors that are condemned. Some of them are hitting, groping, swearing excessively, etc. Don't do it, otherwise you could get into trouble.
- If your character is particularly evil, lower this aspect of your personality down. That way, you won't offend or hurt anyone.
- That's not to say you can't act like a character at all. Imitate the good and discard the bad.
Step 2. Know when you can and can't act like a character
While imitating anime or manga characters may seem fun, there are times when you need to be serious. If people around you don't know anime, or know that you're faking it, just be yourself for now.
For example, fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" may be amused when you get angry because your height is mentioned. Your doctor, absolutely not
Step 3. Don't force others to join in
If you're cosplaying at a convention, some people might respond to your acting and join in, especially if the other person is cosplaying too. However, not everyone will be the same. If you're impersonating a character and getting no response, so be it. Not everyone wants to "role-play."
Watch for signs in body language. If the other person seems uncomfortable or agitated, such as shuffling, fumbling, or making excuses, don't bother them
Step 4. Be yourself
Don't completely become a character and forget who you are. Don't forget, your friends choose the real you, not the anime and manga characters that are being imitated.
At the same time, consider using some aspects of your character to improve yourself. If your character is a good listener, try focusing on these good qualities when you're not acting
Tips
- You don't have to act like an anime or manga character if you don't want to.
- Don't lose by coercion. If all your friends are urging you to act a certain way, ask them to stop.
- Give rest breaks. Don't be a character all the time.
- Use the positive aspects of your character to improve yourself. For example, if your character is sympathetic, helpful, and a good listener, try emulating those aspects.
- Don't forget that you are not an anime character. Make sure you are yourself.
- If a friend recognizes your character, ask for help and listen to their suggestions.
- You don't have to look exactly like the character you play. Don't change yourself until your friends turn away from you.
- Acting like your favorite anime or manga character is fun, but set boundaries. Don't completely change yourself and emulate the character completely. Balance it with your own personality.
- The character " dere " is usually female, but it also applies to males.
Warning
- There will be people who are upset because of your behavior. Be prepared to deal with some people who don't understand your interests. Stand up for your beliefs, but avoid conflict as much as possible. After all, people are free to disagree. Just be polite about the situation that occurs.
- Never bring a gun (real or fake) to school or work.
- Make sure the anime character doesn't damage your self-image or relationship.
- You're more likely to be called a weeaboo if you act like a character all the time. Understand and be aware of the limitations.
