Body Language Research

Body language allows us to see what a character may be feeling through the movements of their body. It can both strengthen how a character really feels, or give some indication as to what a character truely feels. For example, a character may be smiling and say that they are happy, but if they are stamping around it creates the impression that they may really be feeling annoyed.

A good example of a character with expressive body language is Pingu. He has very over the top body movements to show his hyperactive personailty. Often he moves in ways which Penguins cant, such as stretching his beak. This just expresses his feelings and reinforces his cartoonish character.




Here are some silhouette images of human body language.

Much like facial expressions, the slightest change in angle or position of part of the body and the mood conveyed could be completely different. For example, the first image of Joy looks very similar to the first image of Surprise. However, the slight change in arm positions make it easier to tell the 2 apart from each other. The point being, that the human body is just as expressive as the human face.


The same goes for animals, as this example of a cat's body language shows.



Without body languges, it would be very boring to watch characters interact with each other. You may as well have your eyes closed and just listen to them, because without their body languge it is not only boring to watch, but we also dont get to see how they are really feeling.