Character has a lot of meanings depending on the context, but in this case we are talking about character in animation principles. It’s about what builds strong character and creates something believable.

Character is all those little things we take for granted every day, it is built on the way we move, the way we interact. It can range from talking with hand gestures, to how you hold a pen. Emotions have an great effect on a person’s character. In fact, it is usually these influenced changes in character which may lead to someone asking you this question. Are you ok?

We all have very different characteristics to one another, whether they be subtle or exaggerated. Myself, for example, have an apparently distinctive walking stride. I also tend to relax in very uncomfortable looking arm positions. These sort of things you may not even notice yourself, but it is what other people will identify you by.

In narrative of almost any sort, not just animation, providing well-rounded and complex characterization is what gives the audience a sense of realism. The traits which your character show are what makes them believable. If they are weak and underdeveloped, the results will be flat and uninspiring.

Giving character is a huge task for any animator and requires a great deal of development and understanding of the character. Remember, it isn’t about the way they look: at the end of the day, you should be able to transfer that character’s mind into any human (or inhuman) shell and still be able to recognise them by their actions.