Blog 1: Deconstructing Characters

The first attribute of the character, Isabel, that I have created is color.  The image of the spit complementary is the corresponding colors to the heroine, Isabel.  The colors are not only the same school colors as her private catholic school, but the colors are also meant to express a mellow peaceful mood.  Additionally, the bright combination expresses light and happy feelings, not of the opposite, dark and “evil” colors, such ones of her evil archenemy, Mabel.  The colors want the citizens to feel safe when they see the colors presented because they know they are now safe, their hero has arrived.
The second element is Light.  Surrounding my character is an ambiance of light and brightness.  The light creates a joyful, mellow mood that calms all environments that lets them know they are safe.  It also reflects on the Isabel’s personality in showing she is a peaceful person and only out to help out people.  Isabel is not out to kill, but rather turn evil into good.  Isabel was brought up in a peaceful setting as her father the local pastor.  The citizens see the brightness as a sign of god, or an angel of some sort, though no one knows the truth.

Lastly, the shape that describes Isabel the most is such the object we discussed in the class lecture, a speeding bullet.  Not only the bullet, but in the image, the water surrounding the bullet is in a triangular form similar to the posture of Isabel while running.  Isabel’s quickness is unheard of.  She needs to be able to reach the location of evil as quickly as possible to extinguish the danger and save the innocent people from the evil works of Mabel and her minions.  The triangular shape represents not only the quickness, but also urgency to make the world a better place.

On the Contrary, Mabel, Isabella’s nemesis, seems to be the opposite.  Mabel’s colors create contrast as they include black and white.  Mabel’s background is usually black and scary, as her place of rest and territory is the Cemetery.  Mabel’s actual figure is white in order to portray a ghostly or slight zombie feel.  She is actually dead but still turning innocent people to evil.   The two contrasting colors make you focus on the character, while also providing a mood that creates tension related to the character.   Black and white is a great fit to really describe Mabel’s personality and intentions, making one judge the character and notice the evil.

            Next, the lighting on Mabel, well… there isn’t much.  The only light seen is Mabel herself.  She is a misty white figure, but surrounded by lots of darkness.  Such as the black and white contrasting concept, the darkness around her lets the audience know that this character is not for good.  The dim lighting on her body is a sort of sneaky feeling because she is not easily noticeable, but when you finally lay your eyes on her, her presence is definitely felt.  Mabel resides in the cemetery so she is used to the darkness, and usually is only in darkness, as it seems like the darkness follows her.  The dim lighting and dark characteristics of Mabel are also present to provide emotion to recognize that Mabel is the antagonist.

            The last aspect of Mabel is her shape.  Her figure is one of a small girl, obviously, because she is one.  More specifically, she has slightly droopy shoulders describing her anger and intentions.  She moves in a slow, but rather swift motion.  She wears a dress, which is what she wore when she died from an attempted exorcism by Isabella’s father.  Clearly, there is some relation between the two that creates distinct tension.  Mabel usually keeps the same posture throughout her movement, unless of course, she is battling her opponents.  Mabel’s Shape is a key factor in informing the audience and other characters what she is all about.