Cultural Identity in Character Design
By: Alexia C.J. Widjaja
Character design is something that not only visually represents what a character looks like, but also a method of storytelling in and of itself, giving viewers a glimpse into their background and personality through key details shown through symbolism. It is a vital tool in the construction of stories whether it be in the form of animation or comic books.
Take a popular animated series, known for its bizarre characters that had managed to capture the hearts of audiences: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. One of the series’ most prominent characters is Jotaro Kujo, a high school student with magical abilities called a ‘Stand’. One of the most obvious features is his muscular build and expression, showing his personality as someone menacing or someone to be feared. Although not as obvious, his cap has been torn due to the many fights he’s been in showing that he’s a delinquent. Jotaro wears a black jacket most found in Japan called a ‘Gakuran’, showing where he hails from. Although he’s a delinquent, he wears a Japanese school jacket, showcasing the discipline and respectfulness of Japanese high school students which can show a juxtaposition in his character, showing internal conflict.
The fact that he’s a delinquent ties in with the fact that school delinquents were most prominent in Japan back in the 1970s-1990s, the story being set in 1987. The big chain on his jacket may also symbolize his troubles and worries seen in upcoming episodes. Finally, his hat holds the symbol of a hand. It represents the hand of Buddha (Abhayamudra) which symbolizes reassurance to negate fear. This shows that Jotaro is typically a protector since he becomes a cool-headed character in the show, reassuring other characters by his personality that he knows what he’s doing.
Other than only Japanese films, Western shows have also shown their detail and insight towards symbolism in character design. Take for example, a classic tale from the UK: Alice in Wonderland’s White Rabbit. The rabbit’s clothes evoke an image of elegance, calmness and punctuality due to its Victorian-Esque style and the rigid social expectations expected of him during the Victorian era. The fact that it is also holding a clock can suggest the Rabbit’s care about time. Being a rabbit can also evoke a feeling of calmness and relaxation, referencing rabbit in the tortoise and the hare being calm throughout the race.
This is a contradiction to the character in the movie who is running late to go to the palace, all the while feeling anxious. This juxtaposition in and of itself can explain the chaos in Wonderland, a place full of contradictions.
Both these characters are affected by their cultures differently, seeing as how the White Rabbit dresses quite similarly to a Victorian Englishman, yet capturing the essence of Wonderland’s chaos. Jotaro was also able to convey his country’s character through his uniform as well as his own personality through its finishing touches. Both characters show how their culture (UK and Japan) has molded their designs through both beliefs and fashion.