Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Act as a generic character
• Method 2 of 3: Act like a specific character
• Method 3 of 3: Know when you are going too far
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you want to act as a specific or a more general character, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to appear more credible. "Acting" as the character of your cosplay can really take your costume to the next level - even if it's not very good or accurate. Acting as a generic character offers more flexibility and creativity, but it helps if you have some general knowledge of anime or manga.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Act as a generic character

1. Decide what your basic personality will be. Anime and manga characters are not very different from real people. There are shy characters, strange characters, sarcastic characters, etc. Even if you don't specific imitate character, it will still help to keep some sort of basic personality in mind. Once you have a foundation to start with, you can add extras that make the character more anime or manga-esque.
   • Not sure what kind of personality to choose? Try to pick one that is the opposite of yourself! If you are shy, try to act like a bold or hyper character!
   • Consider basing your character's personality on an existing character. For example, you can be cold, like Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy 7."
2. Exaggerate your emotions. If you watch anime or read manga, you will find that many of the characters' reactions are quite extreme. Copy and exaggerate the personality traits of your chosen character. If you want to be happy, be extra happy. If you want to appear chilly or serious, be extra chilly or serious.
   • One of the most notable is Edward Elric from "Fullmetal Alchemist". He hits extreme upset when someone implies that he is short.
   • There are also many emotionless archetypes. Instead of exaggerating your emotions, try to hide them and be calm, calm, and collected.
3. Inherit some habits or gestures. Everyone has their own little habits or mannerisms, such as twisting hair strands in a specific way, or laughing. Anime and manga characters are no exception. A good example is the toe-rubbing of L in "Death Note". Even if you are a generic character, you can still make this more credible by incorporating unique habits or gestures. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • A sarcastic character can raise his eyebrow.
   • A shy girl may be playing with her hair.
   • An enthusiastic character may raise his fist.
   • A tsundere can cross or pout her arms - especially when talking to her flame!
4. Choose a phrase as a trademark. Like habits and gestures, a quote you use often can help shape the character of the anime or manga. A popular example is Naruto who often says "Believe it!" Other words and phrases are things like: feh, meh and baka (idiot). If you have a favorite anime or manga character, you can use some of their most used phrases as inspiration.
5. Try a tsundere character if you want to explore two different sides of an anime. Tsunderes are calm and collected, except when they are around someone they like. In those cases, they are easily embarrassed and often act mean to hide their feelings. She will be the person help out which she likes, but usually says something like:
   • "Don't think I like you or anything."
   • "I'm only doing this because I like you. Don't think about it!"
   • If they accidentally touch someone they like, they can say something like, "It's not like I did that on purpose. Don't take it personally!"
6. Choose a colder character if you want to appear calm, collected and serious. These are the trademarks of kudere's, especially in a difficult situation where everyone panics. They tend to speak monotone and are afraid of showing their emotions or weaknesses, and are natural leaders. However, they also have a soft side, which they only show to the only person they trust. Sometimes this is a loved one and sometimes not.
   • Focus less on your emotions and more on the facts. That flower there? Not about how beautiful it is or what kind of feeling it makes you feel. It's a red flower. Ready.
   • Keep your facial expression to a minimum. A small, bright smile is fine when someone says something hilarious.
   • A colder character can be sarcastic or react with dry humor.
7. Go for a dandere character if you don't mind being shy or not very social. Deep down, such a character likes to be social, but they are too shy or afraid to come out and open up. Once they get to know someone better, they will open up and are usually cute and optimistic. Due to their quiet nature and shyness, they can appear a bit unemotional, but not as cold as a colder.
   • A great way to appear shy is to use words like "uh" or "mmm." You can also stutter a bit and speak softly.
   • Most of the others will not utter a word, or there should be no other way (eg when they are asked something in class by the teacher).
   • You don't have to completely reject every social interaction. Many others have someone special where they are well talk along.

Method 2 of 3: Act like a specific character

1. Choose a character. Most people find it easiest to portray a character who resembles them in personality. On the other hand, some people find it easier to act like a character who is the opposite of who they are.
   • Consider starting with two characters: one that looks like you and one that is completely different. If the one is tricky to mimic, forget about it and focus on the easy one.
2. Study their scenes. Try to read as much as possible about the manga character and watch the anime. Pay attention to how your character reacts to different situations. Pay attention to the range of their emotions and how they behave when they are happy, sad, angry, or scared. Study how the character behaves around different characters: family, friends, enemies, strangers.
   • Pay special attention when your character is stoic. This type of characters usually show indeed emotions, albeit subtle.
   • Don't limit yourself to anime or manga. If they appear in a video game, watch the cut scenes in the game!
3. Read about your character on the internet. The internet is full of information on this topic. If possible, you can check the anime or manga official website and read about your character. Unofficial or fan-made material can also be helpful, but take it with a grain of salt. Many fans add one own interpretation to the character, which is not necessarily part of the canon.
4. Imitate your character's speech. This doesn't mean you are going to emulate their vote, although you can certainly try. Instead, focus on the way of talking. Are they talking slow or fast? Hard or soft? Is their voice showing a full range of emotions, or is it perhaps stoic and empty? Notice any rise or fall of the pitch. Try to mimic the sound when you talk.
5. Memorize a few sentences. You can go even further by learning a few phrases that your character uses often. If you don't want to copy a particular character, you can always learn a few more Japanese standard words or phrases.
6. Check your posture and body language. Acting is more than just talking and mimicking facial expressions. Watch the character scenes and note how they stand, walk or move. Shy characters may have slumped shoulders and try to "hide" behind their hands. Confident or arrogant characters often stand upright, with the head up and their chest out.
   • Don't forget their whims! Does your character have specific quirks? Do they play with their hair or do they have specific gestures? Take note!
7. Maybe your character has a special object that it is known for. Is your character known for having a certain object with him? If so, do this too! A notable example is L. from "Death Note", who is often depicted with a piece of cake. You can bring a prop or a real slice of pie. Another example is Nekozawa of "Oran High School Host Club," who always carries his puppet Beelzenef.
   • Don't just rely on the gag. Use it to do your acting improve. Don't let the object do all the work for you.

Method 3 of 3: Know when you are going too far

1. Understand that not everything is socially acceptable. Your character's behavior can be considered the norm in his or her world. Parts of it may not be in this world. Even during conventions, there are types of behavior that are frowned upon. This includes hitting, groping, swearing excessively, etc. If you suspect it could get you in trouble, then don't do it.
   • If your character is very mean, try to soften that aspect of their personality. That way you avoid insulting or hurting other people.
   • This does not mean that you will not be able to act as your preferred character. Take over the good and leave out the bad.
2. Know when to and when not to act like your character. While it may seem cool and fun to act like an anime character, there are times when you need to take things more seriously. If you are with people who may not be familiar with the anime (or any such role-playing game), it is better to just be yourself.
   • For example: Fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" might find it funny to rant about your lack of height like Edward Elric, but your doctor certainly won't.
3. Don't force people to play with. If you're role-playing at a convention, some people may respond to your acting and join in, especially if they've also taken on a role. However, not every cosplayer will. If you are imitating a character and others are not responding, leave them alone. Not everyone will want to "play a part."
   • Watch their body language for clues. If they seem uncomfortable or restless, such as shuffling, looking around, or apologizing, leave them alone.
4. Be yourself. Don't forget who you are deep down when you take on a role. Remember, your friends chose you for whom you and not because of the anime or manga character you are portraying.
   • At the same time, you can consider some aspects of your character to work on yourself. For example, if your character is a great listener, try to focus on that aspect of your character Outside the acting up.

Tips

• You must don't act like a manga or anime character if you don't want to.
• Don't give in to the pressure of your environment. If all of your friends are asking you to behave in a certain way, ask them to stop.
• Take a break. Be yourself. Don't let the character take you over.
• Use the positive aspects of the character to improve yourself. For example, if the character is likeable, helpful, or a good listener, try to mimic these traits.
• Remember that you are not an anime character, so make sure to be yourself.
• If you have a friend who is familiar with the character you are playing, ask them for help and listen to their suggestions.
• You don't have to become exactly like the anime or the manga character. Don't get so absorbed in your character to the point where friends or colleagues start to hate you.
• Pretending to be a character from your favorite anime or manga can be great, but set your limits. Don't overdo it by completely copying the character; but instead try to find a balance between your role and your own personality.
• "Dere" characters are usually women, but they can just as easily be chosen by men.

Warnings

• There is a good chance that you will be classified as weeaboo if you act like the character all the time. Understand and be aware of the limits.
• Make sure the anime character's personality doesn't harm your self-image or your relationships.
• Never bring a weapon (fake or real) to school or work.
• There will be people who will eventually get annoyed by this. Learn to interact with people who don't understand what you are doing. It is good to stand up for what you believe in, but try to avoid conflict as much as possible. After all, people are free and have the right to disagree, just like you. Just keep responding politely to the situation.