As I mentioned in my last post Boost your Engagement With These 3 Character Design Tips, I have a detailed chart pairing physical attributes with symbolical and psychological personality associations. If you are looking for an economical way to symbolically tell your story, this character design trait list is a good place to start.
I got this as a handout while in school at SAE in Byron Bay, Australia. I think they got it from a CGC school in Sydney. Other than that I don’t really know who to credit this character design guide and character symbolism chat to, I’m sad to say.
Character Design and Symbolism
| Body Part | When small/short | When large/long |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Blind, Timid, Obsessive, Narrow-Minded | Young, Inquisitive |
| Lashes | Assertive, Troubled, Vicious | Desirable, Drowsy, Loving |
| Forehead | Stupid, Vacucous | Intelligent, Nerdy, Wise, Elderly |
| Hair (male) | Conservative, Efficient (Bold = Freaky) | Rebellious |
| Hair (female) | Assertive, Efficient | Freedom |
| Ears | Attentive, Clever | Deaf, Dumb, Elderly, Pixie |
| Lips | Pensive, Mean, Un-sensual, Quiet | Sexy, Talkative |
| Chin/Jaw | Submissive | Power, Strength |
| Cheekbones | Weak | Beauty, Officious |
| Neck | Narrow-Minded, Red neck, Strong | Inquisitive, Elegant, Clumsy |
| Female Breats | Athletic, Impish | Nurturing, Matronly |
| Male Pectorals | Introverted, Self Absorbed, Incapable | Noticeable, Forthcoming, Strong |
| Arms (thick=protective) | Introverted, Incapacitated, Meticulous | Able, Capable, Gangly |
| Hands (thin fingers) | Artistic, Sensitive | Manipulative, Dexterity |
| Hands (thick fingers) | Manual Labor | Strong, Powerful |
| Hips | Grace, Swish | Lazy, Maternal |
| Stomach | Fit | Jolly, Voracious |
| Legs | Stubborn, Slow, Dominant, Grounded | Servile, Helpful, Fast |
| Feet | Nimble, Weightless | Earthy, Dumb |
| Hair/Fur | Color | Association |
| Hair/Fur | Blue | Heavenly, Cold, Young |
| Hair/Fur | Green | Mysterious/ Mystical |
| Hair/Fur | Brown | Tender/ Loyal |
| Hair/Fur | Yellow/Red | Evil |
| Hair/Fur | Black | Dominant, Evil |
| Hair/Fur | Blond | Desire, Vague, Vain, Youth |
| Hair/Fur | Brunette | Centered, Earthy |
| Hair/Fur | Pink | Eccentric |
| Hair/Fur | Green | Out of this world |
| Hair/Fur | Blue | Banal, Superfluous |
| Hair/Fur | Silver/Platinum | Pure, Wealthy |
| Hair/Fur | Gray | Mature, Wise |
| Hair/Fur | Purple | Elderly, Respectable |
| Hair/Fur | Black | Melancholic, Aggressive |
| Other | Association | |
| Thin Legs | Elegance, Ungainly, Gangly | |
| Sharp/Angular Lines | Masculine, Negative, Evil, Weathered, Intellectual | |
| Soft/Rounded Lines | Feminine, Positive, Friendly, Young, Superficial | |
| Moustache | Macho, Hiding | |
| Beard | Respect, Knowledge | |
| Glasses | Dumb, Self Absorbed, Intellectual | |
| Hunchback | Old, Reclusive |
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