"Little details" that add to a character

[Lego]

We had fun with this topic a while back, and I recently got to thinking of it again. We all have our favorite characters regardless of the status of the show they're in. Now most of the time a character will stand out due to their design, their personality, or maybe the situations they're put in. But often times animators or character designs will put in "little details" that add to a character, something that tells you about them without having to say a word. It could be a piece of clothing, a tattoo, an accessory, or even food, like two characters that will instantly come to mind(C.C. and Ayumu).

For me the first thing I think of is Kaname's pink shoes (http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/7605/fmptsr0179zm0.jpg) from the FMP series. They seem individualized, you can tell its her right away, and you know she likes them because shes worn them for three series now.

Another one that comes to mind would have to be Yamie's clothing choice (http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/5131/downloadbloghm3.jpg) from Kure-Nai. While not as subtle as Kaname's shoes, you can tell what type of person she is right away by looking at her clothes and accessories.

What are some of your favorite, "little details"?

[The Great Bear]

I guess one thing would be (AIR) Kamio Misuzu's big old boots that she keeps on tripping in. The out-sized boots in a way reinforce how small she is.

A small touch that's amusing is (ARIA) Akari Mizunashi's "cat hat" that she wears to bed (sorry, I can't find a pic at the moment). It does in a way tell us a little about her personality. She has a cat's curiosity and playfulness.

[Lego]

I guess one thing would be (AIR) Kamio Misuzu's big old boots that she keeps on tripping in. The out-sized boots in a way reinforce how small she is.

A small touch that's amusing is (ARIA) Akari Mizunashi's "cat hat" that she wears to bed (sorry, I can't find a pic at the moment). It does in a way tell us a little about her personality. She has a cat's curiosity and playfulness.

Yeah, thats what I was getting at. Sometimes adding that little "personal touch" to a character can really do wonders.

[Citizen Klaus]

It is the melon bread.

I always felt that underscored just how immature Shana was at heart, since melon bread is exactly the sort of soft, sweet treat that kids would tend to enjoy.

[Shiroi Hane]

If you're going to mention bedwear, you can't leave out Lain's bear pyjamas.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

Hazuki's cat-ears (Moon Phase) :catgirl:

Nekomimi were never more appropriate. She can be sweet one moment, then the next, she'll try to tear your arm off. Especially if you're Kouhei.

[Sensuifu]

Not sure if they're subtle and are probably better passed as trademark features, but Ohno (Genshiken) has two moles/beauty marks. Probably to illustrate she can be both sexy or unattractive or to signify she's shy but can be assertive in certain situations.

[Fudce]

It could be a piece of clothing, a tattoo, an accessory, or even food, like two characters that will instantly come to mind(C.C. and Ayumu).

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(

[Njr Scrawl]

Er...Haruhi's ribbons.
Asuka's red hair clips.
Madoka's red hat.
Kyoko's "piyu" chicks apron.
Fee's cigarettes(!)
Rukia (Bleach) & Saeko (City Hunter) strand of hair falling over their faces.
Hikaru's good luck charm from Madoka (KOR movie 2)
Motoko's watch

[Lego]

It could be a piece of clothing, a tattoo, an accessory, or even food, like two characters that will instantly come to mind(C.C. and Ayumu).

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(


Thats not stopping you from mentioning her again, you do have an inside knowledge of her ;)

Er...Haruhi's ribbons.
Asuka's red hair clips.
Madoka's red hat.
Kyoko's "piyu" chicks apron.
Fee's cigarettes(!)
Rukia (Bleach) & Saeko (City Hunter) strand of hair falling over their faces.
Hikaru's good luck charm from Madoka (KOR movie 2)
Motoko's watch

Thats a big one for me. The watch, while a little detail even though it has an episode semi centered around it shows that Motoko still wants to keep part of her "human side" with her. A keepsake, a memory, something to remind her of something. Obviously you can tell time with it, but in the advanced world of GITS SAC where you can dive into the net, it would be incredibly easy to check time.

[Njr Scrawl]

The watch is also Motoko wanting to hang onto her femininity as I see it. In the GiTS 1st move, she's so tomboy & with a short haircut.

Add: I love the matching analogue watches that Deunan & Briareros have in Ex Machina. And that Deunan instinctively knew when Briareros was about to come through the cathedral window. Their rapport, & the love triange made by Tereisas, is what makes Ex.Mach. so good, & so anime. :cool:

[Lego]

With Evangelion writhe with symbolism and freshly on everyones minds, Misato's cross necklace comes to mind. The same can be said with Shinji's walkman.

And since Planetes was mentioned, I'll throw Hachi's headband into the mix. In a way it's his way of saying "ok, lets get down to business" and staying determined on the job.

[Garasharp K7]

Hazuki's cat-ears (Moon Phase) :catgirl:

Nekomimi were never more appropriate. She can be sweet one moment, then the next, she'll try to tear your arm off. Especially if you're Kouhei.

I love her mood swings too. :) Not to mention those ears of hers move from time to time.

Kurumi Momose from Pani Poni Dash has this fixation with not being noticed - and she tries so hard to be conspicuous - yet it's her normalcy that makes her stand out from the crowd of nutcases in the show. (although is anyone in that show really normal?)
Then there's that talking salamander. I like how the words come floating out of his mouth whenever he speaks.
And that brings me to Sumiyoshi from Excel Saga. The man talks in subtitles.
Can't go without mentioning my favourite anime character - I love how Yurika from Nadesico says "A-kiii-to!" when she tries to get the guy's attention.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

With Evangelion writhe with symbolism and freshly on everyones minds, Misato's cross necklace comes to mind. The same can be said with Shinji's walkman.

And since Planetes was mentioned, I'll throw Hachi's headband into the mix. In a way it's his way of saying "ok, lets get down to business" and staying determined on the job.

All good ones. I never would have thought of Shinji's walkman, but that makes perfect sense. It's his escape from the rest of the world.

[Shiroi Hane]

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(
Thats not stopping you from mentioning her again, you do have an inside knowledge of her ;)
I have to ask - was that meant to sound as rude as it does?

[Garasharp K7]

I'd say not. Fudce's the leading authority on all things Hamster-related 'round these parts. :)

Anyway, a couple of other favourite characters' litte traits that popped into my head on the way home from work...
Tessa (FMP) - playing with her hair, and acting clueless when she really isn't.
Dolores (Zone of the Enders) - wiggling her antennae.
Hayashida (Cromartie High School) - his hair has a life of its' own.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

Dolores (Zone of the Enders) - wiggling her antennae.

That reminds me... how could I forget:

Tenma (School Rumble) - wiggling her 'antennae'. ;)

[Lego]

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(
Thats not stopping you from mentioning her again, you do have an inside knowledge of her ;)
I have to ask - was that meant to sound as rude as it does?


It sounds rude? I'm sorry if it did, it wasn't my intention. I simply mentioned her in passing, I have no knowledge of her outside of always seeing her eating through avatars and gags.

*edit*

OOOOOOOh, I see it now. I didn't mean that it didn't stop him from mentioning her in his post, I meant that it shouldn't stop him from including her on his list or as one of his "little details" if Fudce wanted to post, just because I mentioned it in passing.

[Sensuifu]

*edit*

OOOOOOOh, I see it now.

<ahem> :keroro:

[Lego]

*edit*

OOOOOOOh, I see it now.

<ahem> :keroro:

Maybe I'm still partially sleepy, but ?

[Sensuifu]

*edit*

OOOOOOOh, I see it now.

<ahem> :keroro:

Maybe I'm still partially sleepy, but ?

sorry, I misinterpreted what you meant. I read as if there was still a misunderstanding from how your post may have sounded a bit pompous in tone.

[Lego]

*edit*

OOOOOOOh, I see it now.

<ahem> :keroro:

Maybe I'm still partially sleepy, but ?

sorry, I misinterpreted what you meant. I read as if there was still a misunderstanding from how your post may have sounded a bit pompous in tone.

I didn't catch it at first, since when I posted it I had another meaning behind it. The big "ooooh" was me realizing that it does sound "pompous" to some in tone if one misinterprets it, which is sometimes easy to forget since not everyone will get the context behind what you're trying to say.

[vtr9kvictor]

We had fun with this topic a while back, and I recently got to thinking of it again. We all have our favorite characters regardless of the status of the show they're in. Now most of the time a character will stand out due to their design, their personality, or maybe the situations they're put in. But often times animators or character designs will put in "little details" that add to a character, something that tells you about them without having to say a word. It could be a piece of clothing, a tattoo, an accessory, or even food, like two characters that will instantly come to mind(C.C. and Ayumu).

For me the first thing I think of is Kaname's pink shoes (http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/7605/fmptsr0179zm0.jpg) from the FMP series. They seem individualized, you can tell its her right away, and you know she likes them because shes worn them for three series now.

Another one that comes to mind would have to be Yamie's clothing choice (http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/5131/downloadbloghm3.jpg) from Kure-Nai. While not as subtle as Kaname's shoes, you can tell what type of person she is right away by looking at her clothes and accessories.

What are some of your favorite, "little details"?

Yuki Nagato's glasses. (BRING THEM BACK FOR THE LOVE OF GAWD!!!!)

[Fudce]

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(
Thats not stopping you from mentioning her again, you do have an inside knowledge of her ;)
I have to ask - was that meant to sound as rude as it does?

I think it was meant to sound rude, but not in the nasty-against-me way :P

But frankly, I would never think of Ayumu Nishizawa in such a way. :blush:

[Lego]

Yuki Nagato's glasses. (BRING THEM BACK FOR THE LOVE OF GAWD!!!!)


That would certainly tie into her reading a lot. If we're going to talk about glasses, you can go to things like Vash's trademark shades from Trigun. Of course when you're in a desert they come in handy, but they're stylish and immediately give off a vibe.

I'll add a AMG one in Urd's way of dress. Belldandy and Skuld are both dressed conservatively while Urd sports an open chested, loose fitting dress. As if you needed you'd need any hints about Urd's personality :cool:

[Lego]

No fair, you've already mentioned Ayumu in the original post :(
Thats not stopping you from mentioning her again, you do have an inside knowledge of her ;)
I have to ask - was that meant to sound as rude as it does?

I think it was meant to sound rude, but not in the nasty-against-me way :P

But frankly, I would never think of Ayumu Nishizawa in such a way. :blush:


Wait, which rude are we talking about here? I thought from Shiroi's post that he thought I was taking a shot at Fudce, which I wasn't and I've related to him that I wasn't. If thats the case then yes, it was misinterpreted. If we're talking about the sexual innuendo of it, then I don't know. If the latter is the case, this'll end up being one big laugh in at all of our misinterpretations :)

[TalonG4]

I really love interesting hair design myself. From Maria-sama ga Miteru, Yoshino's twin braids tell a lot about her character even though Yumi is fooled at first. Touko's corkscrews are almost as good as they make her come across a little on the uptight side (and a lot on the tsundere side)
Of course Sachiko's long and luxurious hair with it draped over one ear and she always seems to have a single strand dangling gives her the elegant yet slightly mercurial look IMHO. Shimako's wavy locks give a relaxed feel to her character as well.

[Lego]

I really love interesting hair design myself. From Maria-sama ga Miteru, Yoshino's twin braids tell a lot about her character even though Yumi is fooled at first. Touko's corkscrews are almost as good as they make her come across a little on the uptight side (and a lot on the tsundere side)
Of course Sachiko's long and luxurious hair with it draped over one ear and she always seems to have a single strand dangling gives her the elegant yet slightly mercurial look IMHO. Shimako's wavy locks give a relaxed feel to her character as well.


Thats something I almost totally overlooked when it came to "details". It makes sense for the characters that you mentioned and for someone like Haruko from FLCL or Motoko from GITS SAC who have shorter, mangy hair judging by their personalities. Good catch.

[meganly_chan]

Ah yes, Vash's (Trigun) glasses. He always puts them on just before he's about to lay the smackdown on someone. I'm not completely sure what that says about him, maybe it's a way to seperate the two parts of himself - the happy-go-lucky-love-and-peace Vash, and the get-down-to-business Vash.

If we're talking about hair, when you look at Lina Inverse (Slayers), her hair is long and "wild." She combs it, sure, but she doesn't really do anything with it unless needed for a disguise. Vanity is not at the top of her list, she travels 99% of the year, and the hair is wild like she is. Well, that, and if it was short it would be even harder for people to grasp that she's a girl (one of her biggest peeves).

[Isuzu Inugami]

I remember Misao (Magical Project S) mentioning her hairband when she has her crisis of identity and thinks about just what makes up a Misao.

[Fencedude]

One of my favorites is the "Leg Bandage" worn by Hazuki from Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito, its just such an odd, random and seemingly meaningless bit of decoration, but in some ways it almost exemplifies her character.

Its also just the sexiest damn thing ever. Somehow.

[Critic Chris]

I always love how in Cowboy Bebop, Spike generally walks in a loose, shambling way that fits his personality. Once the time for ass-kicking comes around, however, his movements become fast, fluid and powerful; as Spike himself puts it in Waltz for Venus, "like water".

[Lego]

I always love how in Cowboy Bebop, Spike generally walks in a loose, shambling way that fits his personality. Once the time for ass-kicking comes around, however, his movements become fast, fluid and powerful; as Spike himself puts it in Waltz for Venus, "like water".


Thats another good one and that immediately tells you something about him. The Bebop characters themselves are so full of detail that it's easy to overlook something like that. You can instantly look at someone like Jet and realize something big must of happened in his past.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yuno of Hidamari Sketch wouldn't be Yuno without her Xs. Yeah out of all the people I could mention I'm choosing her.

[Garasharp K7]

Another one from Pani Poni Dash - Himeko Katagiri and her outbursts of "MAHO!"
Granted it's not so much a little detail as more of a major character trait - it's pretty much all she does - but she has different types of "maho"s, such as the almost operatic "MAAHOOOO!" like she's about to burst into song. That's my favourite "maho". :)

[mashimaro]

The ones that immediately come to mind:

Just about all the characters in Azumanga Daioh have some little trademark; Chiyo's pigtails (or the penguin suit) and the Yukari-mobile, for example.

And of course, there's Haruhi Suzumiya and the bunny-suits.