[Grimmons]

Do any of you plan on staying in character for your cosplays? Do you like it when people do or only to a point? Any funny/crazy/weird stories of people being in character?

[Fimbulvinter]

I think its totally fine for someone to be in character...only to a certain point.

I've met some cosplayers who have taken the personality too far :/

For example, I was at a small convention in St. Charles and this Prussia cosplayer goes and lifts up this random girl's dress. She looked so flustered, the poor thing

[everlasting-daydreamer]

I usually start in character then break and introduce myself. It seems to have been working well so far.

[Darkspawn]

Fimbulvinter, on 08 April 2012 - 05:32 PM, said:

I think its totally fine for someone to be in character...only to a certain point.

I've met some cosplayers who have taken the personality too far :/

For example, I was at a small convention in St. Charles and this Prussia cosplayer goes and lifts up this random girl's dress. She looked so flustered, the poor thing

That's sexual harassment, and quite frankly had I been that girl the cops would have gotten a call. Absolutely ridiculous. What's scary is a lot of these people aren't using the character as an excuse to do this type of thing - they actually think it's OKAY.

I think a lot of people take this sort of roleplaying too far. Like that Pikachu girl people have mentioned here before - the one in a kigurumi who spent, like, the whole convention screeching "Pikaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. PikaCHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU." EVERY. TIME. I. SAW. HER.

Sometimes roleplaying can create really awkward situations. I once tried to ask a guy where a room was located, and he refused to break character and wouldn't just give me a simple answer, even though I think he knew. Just don't take it too far or annoy those around you.

[Grimmons]

Usually for my Hiei costume I stay in character until someone asks me a question. As for my Deku Link costume nobody can hear me speak anyway, basically, so I just stay quiet and mime, haha.

But if somebody tries to lift my skirt or touches me in a way that makes me uncomfortable and then tries to claim it's their character they're getting reported. Period.

I have a huge fear for my Deku head as it is. At Kollision con I had some guy come up and just THWAP me on the head and it HURT. You should NOT be touching my cosplay unless I give you permission (which when it comes to the Deku head won't be given), and you certainly shouldn't be HITTING it.

This post has been edited by Grimmons: 08 April 2012 - 06:48 PM

[Gabichox]

Fimbulvinter, on 08 April 2012 - 05:32 PM, said:

For example, I was at a small convention in St. Charles and this Prussia cosplayer goes and lifts up this random girl's dress. She looked so flustered, the poor thing

That happened at acen too a few years back and I even posted about it before. I wonder if it's the same girl :/ My friend had her skirt lifted up and the Prussia made a snide remark to her. It literally ruined her whole convention weekend.
Did this happen recently, Fimbulvinter? If it did, it's ridiculous that she's still doing this.

Back on topic.... Stay in character but only to a certain point. Be practical about it. If someone is asking for directions, don't answer them in character because they may not know who you are and get annoyed. If someone is asking for your picture and they seem to know your character, you can talk to them IC.

Just use common sense :>

[OtakuAngelD]

It depends on the character, I'd think. When I'm in my Steampunk Persona, then yes. However, other anime characters, there is a limit. Let's say I'm cosplaying Farfarello from WeiB Kreuz. Farfie is a psychopath/sociopathic KILLER who feels no pain. If I was to stay in character with him...it would be very very distructive to myself and other con goers. Besides, I'm NOT the character I cosplay.

[Grimmons]

OtakuAngelD, on 08 April 2012 - 06:59 PM, said:

It depends on the character, I'd think. When I'm in my Steampunk Persona, then yes. However, other anime characters, there is a limit. Let's say I'm cosplaying Farfarello from WeiB Kreuz. Farfie is a psychopath/sociopathic KILLER who feels no pain. If I was to stay in character with him...it would be very very distructive to myself and other con goers. Besides, I'm NOT the character I cosplay.

...Are you me? Weiss Kreuz is my favorite anime.

[BreBre716]

Darkspawn, on 08 April 2012 - 06:06 PM, said:

That's sexual harassment, and quite frankly had I been that girl the cops would have gotten a call. Absolutely ridiculous. What's scary is a lot of these people aren't using the character as an excuse to do this type of thing - they actually think it's OKAY.

I think a lot of people take this sort of roleplaying too far. Like that Pikachu girl people have mentioned here before - the one in a kigurumi who spent, like, the whole convention screeching "Pikaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. PikaCHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU." EVERY. TIME. I. SAW. HER.

Sometimes roleplaying can create really awkward situations. I once tried to ask a guy where a room was located, and he refused to break character and wouldn't just give me a simple answer, even though I think he knew. Just don't take it too far or annoy those around you.

Oh yeah..... i saw her last year . O__O

[Santa Finland]

I try to do it here and there but typically, I end up having conversations with people and just stop thinking about it. When posing for photos, I am in character also if I happen to be on-stage for a cosplay contest. Like in this one, I'm the newsboy Ciel and I tried to act like Ciel but that also gave me limited poses.

[Iris]

It can be really fun to see people acting in character. I've always enjoyed the lurking Hamburglar and the Snake that hangs out in the convention center lobby/has his own box.

But it most definately can go too far. Your character play should not cross over the lines of common curteousy and decency.

I for one have never really done too much 'in character' play while at Acen (just basically posing), and that probably won't change this year as Lara Croft and Rainbow Dash. HOWEVER... if I do go as Tsukiumi (Sekirei) next year I might give it a try for once. I just love her speech pattern. XD

[Ashori]

This year, since I'm going as Maya Kitajima, I'd love to be able to stay in character as much as possible. Mainly because Maya is an actress and it'd be fun to perform a little excerpt here and there from one of her performances if someone wants to hear it. Of course, if someone wanted to ask me a question or generally wanted to chat, I'd be polite, listen, and answer to the best of my ability.

I agree with Iris and how taking a character too far can cross that line of being courteous and being rude.

[Mullenkamp]

Limits, that's the key.

If your character is obnoxious in character, don't be in character unless asked to be in character, and only to the person who asked.
If your character is rude in character, don't be in character unless asked to be in character, and only to the person who asked.
If your character is loud in character, don't be in character unless you're outside.
Etc. etc. Walk like your character, carry yourself like your character, talk in the style of your character if you want... but don't use it as an excuse to act offensively.

Now, posing in character for photos? Absolutely. All the time. But if your character would pose in a questionable way (or if you just think they would - fanservice, for instance), make sure you have permission from any other involved cosplayers and that the photographer wants that kind of picture before you start groping people or shoving your tongue down their throat. Odds are, there are SOME other in-character poses you can do that wouldn't annoy or offend people, unless you're cosplaying from a hentai show/game.

And if someone is talking to you as a cosplayer, rather than a character (asking "How did you make your automail?" as opposed to calling you short), respond as a cosplayer, not a character.

I will admit that as long as no one crosses lines, interacting in character can be hilarious. Once a friend and I were Naruto and Sasuke at Otakon, and suddenly this Miroku cosplayer ran up and was like "Naruto! Sasuke! Will you do me the honor of bearing my children?" No touching, no grabbing, just an in-character question. "Naruto" looked stunned for a second, then smiled really big and was like "Well... sure! " So Miroku turned to me, asking if Sasuke would also bear his children. "Sasuke" crossed his arms, rolled his eyes, and sighed loudly in annoyance. We all laughed, and took a pic together. XD

[Red Juliet]

Haha, that happened to me and my friend last ACen. I was Grell and she was Ciel but I don't think Miroku knew that the characters were both guys. I responded as Grell would,
for a handsome guy like you~" but my Ciel was like "...We're both guys." It was actually a lot of fun. Acting in character depends on the situation. I wouldn't touch a Sebastian or William without asking them first. People can get easily offended or freaked out so always ask before doing something extreme and just use common sense. If someone is getting annoyed, don't push it and as it's been said, be helpful if someone asks you a question.

[Ash Anesthetic]

I agree to the limits thing. If you're going to end up making someone feel extremely uncomfortable or upset, don't do it. I know my friend had been verbally bashed by a cosplayer because that's something that their character normally does. My friend was so upset. This is a form of being unacceptable.

For me personally, I never really do abnoxious characters for a cosplay anyway. So that's not an issue. So when people ask for a picture, I always smile, giggle, and say in my Hani voice some form of yes, and that almost always makes people squeal. They tell me that I'm the perfect Hani cosplayer [not trying to sound conceited at all ^-^;; just what I've been told] because not only do I look like him, but they adore my voice and how I act. And if they continue to talk to me as Hani, then I'll reply back to them in my Hani voice and mannerisms. It's just more fun that way! I mean, one of the things about cosplay is that people get to see their favorite characters walking around. You want to see the actual character, not just what they look like, right? I've been told that I've made people's days from doing this, and that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, as well as proud to be a cosplayer in general. <33

And I do the same as all my other characters. I haven't cosplayed as Chii out in public yet, but when I am her, I plan on using her voice and innocence. I'd much rather become the character and interract that way instead of just looking cool.

Anyways! That doesn't mean that I'm never myself, either. If I'm with friends, I'll talk to them normally [usually]. If people ask me what my voice is in real life, I'll show them and we can continue the conversation as such. Like when I met a group of kpop fans like myself a couple weeks ago at Detour, you better believe I wasn't fangirling about people like SHINee in my Hani voice. x3 But that would be kinda funny.

[Dark Spellmaster]

I think one thing about being in character that can backfire is if someone isn't expecting you to be different from the character you're cosplaying. I usually think of it like how the disney actors do it. Play the role for a while, and then try to be me, when I'm not in character I usually try to take off parts of the cosplay to pretty much say to anyone, "I'm taking a break." At least I hope they get I'm taking a break.

[KusanagiRobin]

I'd actually given this some thought recently, especially since this year my cosplays will be a little more theatrical.

Now anyone who watches Bleach knows Byakuya Kuchiki can be sullen and uppity, but I also know doing this all day would be downright rude (like if a desperate Ichigo asked where the bathroom was and I let them wet their hakama right on the spot). Likewise, just because I'm going to be Alan Gabriel doesn't mean I'll cackle maniacally and chase down every R. Dorothy/Roger Smith I see. Some things require common sense, and/or need to be saved for the photoshoots.

(As for Yumi, I at least NEED to pretend like I know how the play the guitar. In fact, she's probably the most normal out of my three cosplays. )

On the other hand, sometimes I think it's even more fun to act OUT of character (again, within reasonable and legal limits). Back to Byakuya, my best friend is accompanying me as Rukia, and though she's committed herself to calling me 'Nii-sama', I may be an overtly loving 'big brother', or share a laugh with an Ichigo (heck, laugh, PERIOD). And I can't grin for hours at a time like Alan Gabriel can; my cheeks would hurt. >_>

You also asked for stories, so I shall share one of mine: last year, dressed as Link from Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, I ran into a Byrne cosplayer. Now she could have attacked me or something like that, but instead she yelped out of joy and gave me a big hug. XD

[Kii]

It's always fun to see people stay in character to an extent.Especially when striking poses and such.
However, it can get annoying depending on the character. A lot of anime characters have personalities that don't transfer well to reality.

[YoungBirdcall]

Kii, on 10 April 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

It's always fun to see people stay in character to an extent.Especially when striking poses and such.
However, it can get annoying depending on the character. A lot of anime characters have personalities that don't transfer well to reality.

THIS

[Phantasmagoria]

When Im around friends at a con, I act as myself around them. As soon as a person wants a picture, or if I happen to be by myself for an hour or two, I stay in character pretty well.

[nouseforaname]

I was having a conversation with someone last year and they were in character the entire time. It bothered me to the point I actually felt embarrassed to be around them so I walked away. I didn't show this though.

[Dark Spellmaster]

Here's an odd question, if say a booth, like Funimation or Sentai, or other dubing company or non dubbing company had a person there dressed in character and acting in character all the time, would people be annoyed with this person?

[Mullenkamp]

...Depends on the character. In-character Naruto, for example, is inherently annoying to me. In-character Spike Spiegel or something, not so much.

Come to think of it, a lot depends on whether the character in question is a kid or an adult. What can I say, I prefer maturity.

[Washu Takahashi]

I generally don't stay in character. Then again, I'm usually gijinka and there isn't technically an "in character" for them xD (And I refuse to be like that annoying Pika girl mentioned earlier She came into a FullMetal Alchemist photoshoot one year, screaming Pika Pika, etc. And whenever anyone asked her anything, "pika" like she didn't know English...) But even when I'm an actual character, I'm rarely in character. I get in character for pictures, and I try to stay in character throughout photoshoots, even though my character obviously isn't in every picture/scene. But being in character is just a hassle the majority of the time. I don't walk around a con thinking "What would my character do/say in this situation?" But if you're going to try and stay in character, more power to you. I don't care whether people stay in character or not, unless they do it to the point where it's just plain rude or obnoxious.

Dark Spellmaster - Interesting question. I think if I knew they were promoted their booth, they wouldn't bother me at all. In fact, I'd probably think, "Wow, they're getting paid to cosplay. Wish that was me!" xD

[sweetbeanpaste]

Some people like it, but I find it obnoxious. Case and point, weird pikachu girl.

Usually I will refuse to talk to you unless you're willing to talk to me out of character

[Naoya Toudou]

I tend to just enjoy myself and not act like the character too much. (if i did as sasuke id seem like a jerk lol)

this year if i did act like it i would end up being REALLY REALLY REALLY!!! quiet lol. my character is a silent protagonist after all lol. ill just enjoy myself but if anyone wants me to strike up a pose or yell Persona like my character (been practicing lol) then by all means just ask

and yes being IC is ok to an extent, when you know people need assistance or info then cmon be reasonable. and its no excuse to be a perv. whether your female or male.

[Gwydion]

I was never good at being "in character" as far as answering questions and holding a conversation are concerned, though I do attempt to pose properly for photos (note: attempt ^_^;; ). There has been the rare occasion where someone has come up to me and clearly wants me to act in character (a Winry asked to see my watch when I was Ed, and usually at least one person mentions how they're surprised I made it to the con if I'm dressed as Ryoga, for example), so I will try to do so under those circumstances, but I was never good at improv, so I'm sure it comes out sounding pretty lame most of the time, lol.

I usually find it amusing if someone is in character, but as pretty much everyone else has said, only to a point. I find it fun if I know the character (yes, even if the character is a jerk) and it doesn't go on for too long or at least not while asking a serious question or the like, but someone who never breaks character can get annoying pretty fast.

[STVO]

Here's how I see it: I like to get in character. If I can impersonate the character I'll do it, if not I won't. I'll say lines, perform actions (to an extent), , etc. I do know when to stop when it gets annoying. And then of course you need to take a break even if you're in costume or people ask you to do something.

Bottom line: It's good if you got it down, but it's not necessary. Don't overdo it though. Also if someone complains that "you didn't do this" or "you did this wrong", well forget them (I'm using the Cee Lo Green radio edit version but you get it I'm sure.)

This post has been edited by STVO: 13 April 2012 - 05:34 PM

[Mullenkamp]

Gwydion, on 13 April 2012 - 04:51 PM, said:

There has been the rare occasion where someone has come up to me and clearly wants me to act in character (a Winry asked to see my watch when I was Ed, and usually at least one person mentions how they're surprised I made it to the con if I'm dressed as Ryoga, for example),

Hahah, I said something along those lines to a Ryoga at Youmacon last year, and I'm not sure if he was being in character or genuinely had no idea what I was talking about. XD

[Neko_master_Luna]

I tend to agree with you all. There is a limit on how far people should go & me being shy, keeps me to being in character mostly while posing for photos. A real downer last year, was that while I'm no drop dead gorgeous person, my cosplay involved wearing things that almost looked like under ware on the out side of my costume. Some one dressed as Master Roshi ran up & took a picture of my lower region & ran away. While that me be funny knowing the character. He did not ask first or even apologize. I would have laughed if he had pretended, though I'd still have been mad. Plus he really did take a picture, than ran like a coward. That ruined most of my day & made me not want to cosplay the rest of the con.