Character Design 101: How Compelling Characters Are Built

Mario. Kirby. Pikachu. Link. Master Chief.
Each of these iconic video game characters likely popped into your mind immediately—even without a picture. Why? Because their memorable character designs have made them instantly recognizable. These characters have captured hearts for decades, and thanks to thoughtful design, they’ll continue doing so for years to come.

At The Game Warriors, we teach kids how to develop video games from start to finish—including a character design crash course where they learn how to bring unique characters to life.

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Who Are You Designing?

There are three essential elements to strong character design. The first step is simple: figure out who the character is.

A visually cool character without any depth might grab attention—but won’t hold it. To give your character a compelling backstory and personality, start by asking:

• What is their personality like?

• What role do they play in the story?

• What motivates them?

• How old are they?

Knowing who your character is will influence every design decision, from their outfit to their posture. It ensures their visual style reflects their personality.

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Shape Language in Character Design

Once you know who your character is, it’s time to build them visually. Shape is the first element your audience processes—before they even notice color.

Professional character designers use a technique called “Shape Language”, where different shapes convey different traits. Here’s what specific shapes say about your character:

• Circles & Round Shapes
  These suggest innocence, friendliness, and approachability. Think Kirby—round, soft, and lovable!

• Triangles & Spiky Shapes
  These indicate aggression, energy, or danger. Characters like Bowser use sharp shapes to communicate villainy or power.

• Squares & Rectangles
  These shapes suggest strength, stability, and dependability. Think Reinhardt from Overwatch—sturdy and solid, just like his design.

Strategic use of shape helps your audience instantly understand your character’s role and personality—even just from their silhouette.

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The Power of Color in Character Design

Color is another powerful tool in visual storytelling. It’s not just about what looks good—it’s about what the colors say about your character.

Here’s what different colors typically represent:

• Blue
  Associated with the sky and sea, blue characters are often calm, wise, or heroic. It’s also the go-to for main protagonists—like Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Red
  Passionate, energetic, and sometimes aggressive. Red can indicate a fiery personality or a hot-headed villain. Think Lightning McQueen!

• Green
  Calm, nurturing, and wise. Green is often linked to nature or healing. Characters like Yoda represent this color beautifully.

• Purple
  Regal, mysterious, and intelligent. Often used for royalty or magical characters, like Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Blending colors allows for even more complexity. A red-and-blue character might be brave and emotional. A green-and-purple character might be a healer with royal lineage. The combinations are endless.

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Ready to Learn More About Game Character Design?

Unleashing your creativity through thoughtful character design can take your game to the next level! If you’re ready to learn more about how to create compelling, original characters, check out our Digital Art Crash Course in Quests.

At The Game Warriors, we make game development fun, accessible, and inspiring for young creators.

Try a Class Today

Ready to see your child light up with creativity? Try 2 Trial Classes + Free STEM kit for only $39.95. Let’s build something amazing together — one game at a time!

The Game Warriors – Game Development & Coding for Kids in Cedar Park