‘A
well designed character has the following characteristics:
- It will be immediately recognizable and relatable
- It will have a recognizable shape or silhouette
- It will reflect the personality of the character
- It will have the physical attributes that complement the content of the story
- It will be able to complete the actions that are required by the script
- It will be interesting to watch’
(Alexander, Schumer and
Sullivan 2008 P.102)
‘In
The Incredibles, Elastigirl is not
just an interesting design for a superhero; she stretches because she is a
mother and must always multitask. Dash is fast because he is a little boy with
so much pent-up energy. Violet disappears and has a protective shield because
she is in adolescence. Elastigirl is organic and loose in the joints. Dash is
solid and low to the ground with strong legs. Violet is slim and has hair that
perpetually hangs over her large and watchful eyes.’
(Alexander, Schumer and
Sullivan 2008 P.108)
The significance about this is its application to the
narrative and to the characters goal. In The
Incredibles, Mr Incredible cannot be himself, a superhero, because of the
past mistakes made by superheros has outlawed them from acting as such. The
theme, according to Alexander, Schumer and Sullivan (2008 P.21) is ‘A Herd
sticks together … Mr Incredible cannot work alone … strengths, weaknesses make
us whole. Mr. Incredible must learn that he needs help to be a successful
superhero.’ It is his family unit that offers security and success, learning
this is his emotional arc that is required for the narrative. His family have
designed traits that are specific to their role within that unit and ultimately
Mr Incredibles success. Each of their roles within the narrative has informed
their traits, physical topology and their gestural personality.
The advert shows all of these qualities mentioned, whilst also conveying the initial exposition of the narrative. The design of everyday objects (car and office space for example) compared to Mr Incredible further aid the narrative by being more obstacles to overcome. Note how his house is big enough to accommodate him, thus aiding the feelings of isolation from the rest of the world.
‘Other
ways to find a unique character design is to look at the characters’ goals and
the conflicts they must confront. In The
Triplets of Belleville, Madame Souza’s goal is to save her kidnapped
grandson, Champion, from the French Mafia. She is small and old. Many obstacles
are put in her way: an ocean, lack of money, the city of Belleville, and the
Mafia. You would think that this would be enough. But Sylvan Chomet designed
her with one leg shorter than the other. She wears one elevated shoe. Because
of this, she can move only slowly. There is, in her physical design, an
impediment to her goal: to quickly rescue her grandson. It is not enough that
she is small and old. We expect grandmothers to be small and old. Her foot
makes her different and memorable. The first time we see her we see her foot.
It creates intrigue and we want to know more about her.’
(Alexander, Schumer and
Sullivan 2008 P.108)
With the second video, i think it ties in narrative arc into an end wonderfully by using her main impediment as the characteristic that helps her achieve objective, and shows how the design and narrative can aid each other.
References
ALEXANDER, K., SCHUMER, G., and SULLIVAN, K. 2008. Ideas for the Animated short: finding and
building stories. Oxford: Focal Press
