Costumes play an important role in character development and storytelling. From movies and TV shows to theatre plays and literature, they are included in nearly all forms of storytelling. The characters in the respective story wear clothes and accessories that, among other things, progress the story forward. These clothes and accessories are costumes.
Costumes, however, are more than just clothes and accessories; they are visual cues that promote a stronger storytelling experience and boost the audience's understanding of the characters as well as the plot itself. Let's take a closer look at the role costumes play in character development and storytelling.
Shows Social Status
Costumes are often used to show social status. Different characters have a different social status. Some characters may be wealthy and affluent, whereas others may be poor and less affluent.
Wealthy characters, of course, may wear costumes highlighting their wealth, such as a formal two- or three-piece suit. Poor characters, on the other hand, may wear costumes consisting of low-quality and tattered clothes. Even without any additional information about the characters, the audience can identify their social status based on their costumes.
Reflects Internal Struggles
Costumes may reflect the internal struggles of characters. Also known as internal conflicts, internal struggles are inner emotions that motivate or push characters to perform an action. They are essentially opposing desires or beliefs that a character has. Depending on the particular story, the characters may have one or more internal struggles.
Costumes can show social status, and they can reflect the internal struggles of characters. Superheroes, for instance, regularly wear masks to hide their identity. They still want to help and protect the innocent, but they don't want to reveal their true identity. This dual nature compels them to wear a mask, which in turn reflects their internal struggle.
Internal struggles aren't limited to superheroes. Other types of characters can have their own internal struggles. The costumes worn by the characters in a story may reflect these opposing desires or beliefs.
Good vs Evil
You can tell a lot about a character by inspecting his or her costume. Some characters are inherently "good," whereas others are "evil." The battle between good and evil is the foundation of countless stories. To determine whether a character is good or evil, you may want to check their costume
The characters in a story will often wear characters that represent their nature. Good characters may wear bright costumes. Evil characters, conversely, may wear dark costumes. Superman -- one of the most iconic superheroes of all time -- has a signature costume consisting of bright red, yellow and blue colors. His arch nemesis, Lex Luther, often wears a dark-colored costume consisting of purple or black. The bottom line is that you can distinguish between good characters and evil characters by evaluating their costumes.
Establishes the Period
Another role that costumes play in character development and storytelling involves the period. One of the great things about stories is that they aren't limited to the current period. Some stories do, in fact, take place in the current period, but others take place in the past or even in the future.
You can gain insight into the period in which a story takes place by looking at the costumes. The clothes and accessories that people wear have evolved over the years. Characters' costumes will typically reflect the period in which the story takes place. Whether you're watching a movie, TV show or any other story, you should pay close attention to the characters' costumes so that you can define the period in which the story takes place.
Signals Transformation
Costumes may signal transformation. Characters regularly transform as part of the story. A character in a movie or TV show, for instance, may begin the story as a peasant, only to progress to a higher status. Costumes may signal transformations such as this.
As characters transform in the story, their costumes may change. Characters who transform to a higher status may begin wearing more expensive clothes. Rather than tattered clothes, a character may begin wearing a suit. Alternatively, characters will transform into superheroes may begin wearing masks and other traditional superhero-esque costumes.
Reflects Occupations
Costumes may reflect the occupations of the characters in a story. Characters often have jobs. Even Clark Kent worked as a reporter. Before putting on the Superman costume, Kent would venture into the field to take photos of newsworthy scenes. And the audience would often see Kent wearing a costume of a typical reporter.
Other characters may have other jobs. By evaluating a character's costume, you may be able to identify his or her occupation. A character who works as a newsboy, for example, may wear a suit and newsboy cap. A character who works as a chef may wear a traditional chef's uniform, complete with a hat and apron.
Sets the Mood or Tone
Costumes can set the mood or tone as well. Some stories have a lighter mood or tone than others. In these stories, the characters may wear costumes that are predominantly light colored. Stories with a dark mood or tone, in comparison, often feature dark colors.
Conveys Allegiance
You might be surprised to learn that costumes can convey allegiance. Allegiance is loyalty. Characters may be loyal to other characters or organizations within the story. The costumes worn by the story's characters may convey their allegiance.
In the blockbuster TV show "Game of Thrones," characters of various houses are often seen wearing costumes that represent their allegiance. There are a total of nine houses in the series. The characters in "Game of Thrones" are loyal to their respective house, which is depicted by their costumes.
In Conclusion
Costumes may consist of clothes and accessories, but they play a multifaceted role in character development and storytelling. Among other things, costumes show social status, reflect internal struggles, reveals good vs evil characters and more. So, the next time you watch a TV show movie or theatre production, take a moment to appreciate the costumes.
