Act Like an Anime or Manga Character

Whether you want to act like a specific character or a generic character, there are some tips and tricks that you can do to make your acting more believable. Acting like the character you are cosplaying as can really take your costume to the next level—even if it is not very good or accurate. Acting like a generic character offers more flexibility and creativity, but it helps if you have some general anime or manga knowledge.

Steps

Acting Like a Generic Character

  1. Decide on a basic personality. Anime and manga characters are not much different from real people. There are shy characters, funny characters, sarcastic characters, etc. Even if you aren't imitating a specific character, having some sort of base personality in mind will help. Once you have a base to work off of, you can add the extras that make the character more anime or manga-like.
    • Don't know what sort of personality to choose? Try picking one opposite to your own! If you are shy, try acting like a bold or hyper character!
    • Consider basing your character's personality off of an existing one. For example, you could be cold like Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy 7."
  2. Exaggerate your emotions. If you watch anime or read manga, you will notice that many of the characters' reactions are pretty extreme. Take your desired personality's basic traits, and exaggerate them. If you want to be happy, act extra happy. If you want to be cold or serious, act extra cold or serious.
    • One of the most notable is Edward Elric from "Fullmetal Alchemist". He gets very upset whenever someone implies that he is short.
    • There are many emotionless archetypes as well. Instead of exaggerating your emotions, try concealing them and acting cool, calm, and collected.
  3. Include some habits or gestures. Everyone has their own little habit or gesture, such as twirling their hair or a specific way of laughing. Anime and manga characters are no exception. One great example would be L's toe-rubbing in "Death Note." Even if you are acting like a generic character, you can make your acting more believable by including a unique habit or gesture. Here are some ideas to get you started:
    • A sarcastic character may cock his eyebrow.
    • A shy girl may play with her hair.
    • An enthusiastic character my pump his fist into the air.
    • A tsundere may cross her arms or pout—especially when talking to her crush!
  4. Have a trademark quote. Similar to habits and gestures, having a quote that you say often can help bring out the anime or manga vibes. One popular example is Naruto, who often says "Believe it!" Other words and phrases include things like: feh, meh, and baka (idiot). If you have a favorite anime or manga character, you can use some of their most common phrases as inspiration.
  5. Try a tsundere character type if you want to explore two different sides. Tsunderes are known for being calm and collected, except when they are around someone they like. In those cases, they are easily embarrassed and often act mean in order to hide their feelings.[1] They will help the one they like, but they will usually say something like:[1][2]
    • "It's not like I like you or anything."
    • "I'm only doing this because I like you. Don't get any funny ideas!"
    • If they accidentally touch someone they like, they might say: "It's not like I meant to do that. Don't take it personally!"
  6. Choose a Act Like a Kuudere character type if you like to be calm, collected, and serious. These are the trademarks of kuuderes, especially in tough situation where everyone else is panicking. They tend to speak monotone and are afraid of showing their emotions or weakness, and are natural leaders.[2] They do have a soft side, however, which they show to the one person they trust. Sometimes it's a love interest and sometimes it's not.[1]
    • Focus less on your emotions and more on the facts. That flower over there? Don't mention how it is beautiful or how it makes you feel. It's a red flower. The end.
    • Keep your expressions minimal. A tiny, slight smile is fine if someone you like says something hilarious.[3]
    • Kuudere can be snarky or dry witted.[3]
  7. Go dandere if you don't mind being shy or a little antisocial. Deep down inside, they may want to be social, but are too shy or afraid to go out and open up. Once they get close to someone, they do open up, and are usually cutesy and optimistic.[4] Due to their quietness and shyness, they may come off as a little emotionless, but not cold like a kuudere.
    • A great way to act shy would be to utter phrases such as "uh" or "um." You could also stutter a bit and talk softly.
    • Most dandere won't speak unless spoken to, or unless they absolutely have to (ie: being called on in class).[5]
    • You don't have to be completely antisocial. Many dandere have that one special person that they do talk to.[1]

Acting Like a Specific Character

  1. Choose a character. Most people find it easiest to portray a character who is similar to them personality-wise. On the other hand, some people find it easier to portray a character who is the complete opposite.
    • Consider starting out with two characters: one who is similar to you and one who is completely different. If one is too hard to mimic, forget about him/her, and focus on the easier one.
  2. Study their scenes. If possible, try to read the manga and watch the anime. Take note of how your character reacts to different situations. Notice the range of their emotions and how they act when they are happy, sad, angry, or afraid. Study how the character acts around different characters: family, friends, enemies, strangers.
    • If your character is stoic, pay extra attention. These types of characters usually do display emotions, albeit subtly.
    • Don't stop at just the anime or manga. If they appear in a video game, watch cut scenes from the game!
  3. Read up on your character online. The internet is full of information. If possible, try to find the anime or manga's official site, and read up on your character. Unofficial or fan-created material can be helpful, but take it with a grain of salt. Many fans add their own interpretation of the character, which may not necessarily be canon.
  4. Mimic your character's way of speaking. This does not mean that you have to mimic their voice, although you can certainly try. Instead, note how they talk. Do they talk slow or fast? Loud or soft? Does their voice display a full range of emotions or is it stoic and blank? Note any rises and falls of pitch. Try to mimic these when you talk.
  5. Learn some phrases. You can take things a step further by learning a few common phrases that your character says. If you aren't copying a particular character, you can learn a few basic words or phrases in Japanese.
  6. Check your posture and body language. Acting is more than just talking and mimicking facial expressions. Re-watch your character's scenes, and note how they stand, walk, or move. Shy characters may slouch and try to "hide" behind their hands. Confident or arrogant characters will often stand up straight, hold their heads up high, and puff their chests out.
    • Don't forget about their quirks! Does your character have any specific quirks? Do their play with their hair or do a specific gesture? Take note of that!
  7. Consider having a prop that the character is famous for. Is your character known for having a certain object with them? If so, consider carrying a similar object with you! A notable example is L from "Death Note", who is often depicted with a piece of cake. You could bring a prop or real slice of cake with you. Another example is Nekozawa from "Oran High School Host Club," who always has his Beelzenef puppet with him.
    • Do not rely on the prop. Use it to enhance your acting. Do not allow it to do the work for you.

Knowing When to Hold Back

  1. Understand that not everything is socially acceptable. Your character's behavior might be considered the norm in his or her world. Parts of it may not be in this one. Even in conventions, there are some behaviors that are frowned upon. This includes things like hitting, groping, swearing excessively, and so forth. If you think it may get you in trouble, don't do it.
    • If you character is very mean, consider downplaying that aspect of their personality. This way, you won't offend or hurt other people.
    • This doesn't mean that you can't act like your desired character at all. Mimic the good and exclude the bad.
  2. Know when and when not to act like your character. While acting like an anime character may seem cool and fun, there are times when you need to take things more seriously. If you are around people who may not be familiar with the anime, or the fact that you are pretending, it is best to be yourself.
    • For example: fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" might find it amusing if you rage about your lack of height like Edward Elric. Your doctor certainly will not.
  3. Don't force people to play along. If you are cosplaying at a convention, some people may react to your acting and play along, especially if they are also cosplaying. Not every cosplayer will, however. If you mimic your character and they don't respond, leave them be. Not everyone will want to "role play."
    • Watch their body language for cues. If they seem uncomfortable or agitated, such as shuffling, looking around, or making excuses, leave them be.
  4. Be yourself. Don't become the character and forget who you are deep down inside. Remember, your friends chose you for who you are, and not the anime or manga character you are portraying.
    • At the same time, consider using some of your character's aspects to better yourself. For example, if your character is a great listener, try focusing on that aspect of your character outside of acting.

Tips

  • You don't have to act like a manga or an anime character if you don't want to.
  • Don't give in to peer pressure. If all your friends are pressuring you into acting a certain way, ask them to stop.
  • Take breaks. Be yourself. Don't become the character.
  • Consider using positive aspects of the character to better yourself. For example, if the character is sympathetic, helpful, or a good listener, try mimicking those aspects.
  • Remember that you're not an anime character, so make sure to be yourself.
  • If you have a friend that is familiar with the character you're cosplaying as, you can ask for their assistance and listen to their suggestions.
  • You don't need to necessarily be exactly like the anime or manga character. Don't change who you are to the point where friends or peers begin to dislike you.
  • Acting like a character from your favorite anime or manga can be fun, but set some limits. Don't go crazy and completely copy the character; instead, balance it out with your own personality.
  • "Dere" character types are usually female, but they can be applied to males as well.

Warnings

  • There is a big possibility that you will be called weeaboo if you act like the character all the time. Understand and realize the limits.
  • Make sure that the personality of the anime character will not harm your image of yourself or damage your relationships.
  • Never take a weapon (fake or real) to school or work.
  • There will be people who will eventually get annoyed with this. Be prepared to deal with some who do not understand what you're into. It's good to stick up for what you believe in but avoid conflicts as much as possible. After all, people are free and have a right to disagree, as do you with them. Simply remain polite about the situation.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://reelrundown.com/animation/I-Dere-You-Kuudere-to-Yandere-Common-Female-Archetypes-in-Anime
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://kotaku.com/how-to-identify-popular-japanese-character-types-1169085239
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Kuudere
  4. ↑ http://www.hxchector.com/all-dere-types-anime-manga/
  5. ↑ http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Dandere
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