It’s no surprise that most people will admit to having a crush on a cartoon character. Robin Hood or Bowser are popular examples. Unfortunately, cartoon characters don’t exist in real life. So, what can be done to make it feel like they are real?
Cartoon characters will typically be original creations. Made for animated TV shows, films, or online animated videos. Stylised with expressive faces and usually associated with anthropomorphic animals. Those with a fetish for them will mostly use costumes and virtual reality to bring them to life visually. The ability to roleplay well and stay in character is also important. Allowing for an immersive experience that makes a session feel realistic.
So if you find yourself daydreaming more about cartoon men than real ones, why not read on? You’ll surprise yourself with just how real they’ll feel!
What Exactly Is A Cartoon Character?
Traits Of Cartoon Characters
Cartoon characters are typically regarded as being from animated TV shows or films. But this doesn’t mean that this is the only form of media they can come from. Video games, comics, or online animations can also have “cartoon”-inspired characters.
The scope of animated media means there are hundreds of vastly different art styles. But the term “cartoon character” has become synonymous with certain design characteristics, such as exaggerated or impossible proportions, traditionally drawn 2D designs, or anthropomorphic interpretations of anything non-human. “Toon” is also a commonly used term.
Usually, cartoon characters are original. Yet, some cartoon characters can be based on an existing, real person. The person doesn’t count as a cartoon character; their animated counterpart does, especially if they’re animated in a stylised way that isn’t just traced from real photos or rotoscoped.
Cartoon Characters Vs Fictional Characters: What's The Difference?
A cartoon character is a fictional character. Yet, the distinction of classing something as a “cartoon character” is important. A fictional character can be any character from any form of media who doesn't exist in real life. This can therefore include characters performed by live-action actors.
The art of animation and how it is created has changed drastically over the years. For example, cel animation was once exclusively seen in tv shows or films. But since its introduction it has seen use in live action media and video games.
Likewise, styles previously exclusive to certain countries or cultures are being utilised worldwide. Mixed media formats are easier than ever. Resulting in a blending of styles and techniques. Drawing inspiration from other animated media.
For example, Bowser from “Super Mario Bros.” didn’t originate from an animated tv show or film. He’s from a video game. Yet his design can be seen as taking inspiration from traditionally animated characters. He’s an anthropomorphic turtle with impossible proportions and bright colours.
Another example is “anime characters”. They technically fit under the definitions of a cartoon character. They’re usually 2D and often have impossible proportions. They also mostly originate from animated TV shows or films. Even the word “anime” is shortened from “animēshon”. Which itself is derived from the word “animation”.
Yet, anime characters and cartoon characters have vastly different connotations associated with them. Anime characters are mostly seen as being humans with large eyes. Typically their designs are more serious, detailed and realistic. If they still retain some elements of impossible proportions, it’s less exaggerated.
This is why the definition of a “cartoon character” has changed so much. Starting off as a general term for any form of animated character. Its use now refers to characters with design traits seen in “rubber hose animation”. Or classic Disney animation inspiration.
What Makes Cartoon Characters So Appealing?
Appearance And Design
Like attraction to an actual person. Many people find certain cartoon characters appealing due to their appearance. Cartoon characters’ designs come from the imagination of their creators. Which often means certain desirable or attractive traits may be exaggerated.
Whether they’re exaggerated intentionally is down to the character’s narrative purpose. Or the nature of the media itself. Is a certain character seen as attractive in the context of the narrative? Then it’s very likely they’re designed with this in mind.
For example, Mr. Wolf from “The Bad Guys”. He is designed to be seen frequently with half-lidded yellow eyes and a smug smile. He will usually have one bushy eyebrow raised slightly. Giving connotations of someone who is smug and seductive. Complementing his character of a sleek, charming thief.
Sometimes it may not actually be the artist’s intention to make a character attractive. But they may just accidentally do so. Especially given the nature of exaggerated or impossible proportions of cartoon characters.
One example is Little John from Disney’s “Robin Hood”. People who find fat bellies attractive will find him attractive. His exaggerated belly is a main part of his design, emphasised by his belt.
Behaviour And Personality
Some people may simply find the personality of certain cartoon characters appealing. They may have been written with a personality that is attractive for some people. Matching existing preferences for a partner.
Alternatively, they have a personality that doesn't match the connotations of their design. Especially if that personality isn't usually seen in similar people in real life. E.g., A buff, stereotypical tough bouncer being shy and empathetic.
Complex and well developed cartoon characters do exist. But some characters may be written in a way that emphasises their positive traits. Whilst their negative traits are downplayed. This can make some cartoon characters seem like a perfect partner.
A cartoon character's behaviour can also be appealing. Sometimes their behaviour can be more appealing than the character's appearance alone. This is mostly influenced by an individual’s own preferences and life experiences.
Often, characters that are tricksters or silly tend to have dedicated fans. Part of this might be due to a desire to let go of societal norms. To embrace the silly or simple side of life. Or to have someone take control.
Associations With Fetishes Or Kinks
Some behaviours or design traits may also appeal to people who have other fetishes or kinks. Usually, this is unintentional. But animated media aimed towards adults may play into this. Or even be focused entirely around a kink or fetish.
For example, a common trope seen frequently within animated media is inflation. Typically used for comedic value. The use of inflation can make a character more appealing even if it wasn’t the creator's original intention, especially to those with an inflation fetish.
Sometimes, cartoon characters or their media of origin are why someone has a fetish or kink. Most animated media are aimed towards younger audiences, which can result in the unexpected development of fetishes or kinks in later life.
As children, our brains are still developing. They are highly influenced by stimuli and the emotions and memories they produce. A child might have a favourite TV show where characters are inflated. That association with strong, positive emotions may also associate inflation with those emotions.
That may develop into feeling a sense of pleasure from inflation content in later life. This may also cause an individual to feel attraction to one of the characters from the media they watched as a kid as they associate that character with their inflation fetish or kink.
Being Fictional
The fact that most cartoon characters are fictional is appealing to some. They are seen as being socially acceptable subjects for fanfiction or fan art. They’re not real, so it doesn’t come across as creepy or invasive to have an obsession over them.
This also allows people to project their personal fantasies and desires. Some may use this as a means of stress relief. Or may even use their attraction to a cartoon character to cope with a lack of a romantic relationship.
Anthropomorphic cartoon characters also gain a lot of appeal, especially with furries. Animation allows for characters who can’t exist in real life to feel “real” within their narrative. Opening up the idea to the viewer of how they might interact with that character in real life.
This is appealing to those who want to use these cartoon characters as a vessel for escapism. They may either want to look like one of the cartoon characters, or simply live in their world. Distancing themselves from whatever stresses reality is inflicting upon them.
These anthropomorphic characters are often distinctly different from humans in appearance. Yet still humanoid enough to have readable expressions and a capacity for speech. Allowing someone to feel a sense of attachment. Emphasised by that desire for escapism. They may see that character as being a role model, or saviour.
How Costumes Can Be Used To Bring Cartoon Characters To Life
Cartoon characters are, as we’ve established, fictional. So, how is it possible to indulge in a fetish for them in real life? Costumes are often the answer to this problem! Whether you’re wearing it or a partner is. A good costume can make fiction become reality.
Official Merchandise
Happen to have a fetish for a particularly popular cartoon character? You’ll likely have access to official merchandise. This may include accessories or clothing associated with that character. Or even full-body costumes and masks.
It may not be an exact match to the cartoon character’s original proportions. But if you can get official, wearable merch, it’s one of your cheaper options, along with being easily accessible. Being an official product, it’s very likely to be on model and accurate with even the smallest details.
However, despite being official products, many of these costumes will be made cheaply. This may mean that certain details look low quality. It can also mean the costume easily breaks, or has visible sections where you can see the person beneath.
Cosplay And Crafting
A great couple of options if your cartoon character is less popular or has a complex design. You have the option to either commission someone to create a cosplay for you or to make it yourself.
This can be an expensive option, even if you opt to craft the cosplay yourself. But it has the added benefit of being more customisable and tailor-made to the wearer’s proportions. They’re also usually more detailed than official costumes.
You also have the benefit of deciding what materials to use. Creating a Death from “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” cosplay? You can use both fake fur and cloth to make him feel more “realistic”.
Making something for a more “traditional” cartoon character? Rubber and latex might work better for a “glossy and inky” appearance. You have the option to stay as close to the original design as possible. Or choose to go with an interpretation that suits your tastes.
This also means you can include additional features. Such as soundboards or an inflatable belly. It’s dependent on your own skills, and your own budget. But this is one of the better options for catering to your tastes and preferences.
Want a slightly cheaper option? Don’t be afraid to modify or incorporate other items you already own! Have a polar bear mask? Why not use it for a Polar Patroller from “Fortnite” cosplay?
You don’t have to commission a costume or create it from scratch every time. Even if those options usually guarantee better quality. Nothing wrong with using multiple unrelated items to create a complete cosplay! It’s down to your own preferences and imagination!
Body Paint And Prosthetics
Some people may prefer to work with a person’s actual body as a canvas. Using body paint or prosthetics instead of full body costumes. Molding someone’s natural features into something resembling a cartoon character.
These methods may not be the easiest to work with for certain characters. Yet they are one of the cheaper options available. Just be aware that it may take some practice to achieve the intended results.
This does have the benefit of making it easier to engage in sexual or physical activities. There’s less of a risk of overheating, depending on the level of prosthetic coverage. Just make sure to allow access to air holes for breathing!
The Power Of Virtual Reality
Yes, we understand that virtual reality isn’t exactly “real life”. Yet, using virtual reality is one of the better ways to bring a cartoon character to life. This is because a VR headset fully immerses the user in a virtual environment.
This means that they will see and hear things in this virtual environment as if they were seeing them in real life. If they were to play a VR game that features a cartoon character, it would feel like they were in the same room.
Official VR games based on animated franchises exist, which may be a good option if you’re dedicated to keeping interactions as authentic as possible. However, online virtual world platforms such as “VRChat” are also popular options.
VRChat allows users to upload avatars to use and features VR support, which means that these avatars can be viewed from the POV of the user. It also means that a user in the same area as other players can see and interact with their respective avatars.
This allows for a more personal, immersive experience. As some VR products may have limited interactions with characters. VRChat and other social VR products allow users to approach and speak with each other. Along with supporting full body tracking capabilities.
Some VR games are playable even without a VR headset if you have a PC or laptop. That includes VRChat!
The Importance Of Effective Role Playing And Staying In Character
Looking like a character only goes so far if participants don’t know how to roleplay! It’s important to keep roleplaying and how to stay in character in mind. Maintaining a suspension of disbelief is essential for immersion!
Pre-Session Planning
Planning beforehand is important. Even if you’re planning to indulge in your cartoon character kink alone. Part of this is deciding how you want to bring your chosen character to life. But you should also consider what your scenario is going to be like.
Think about your setting. Is it a setting based in reality, or based in the world of the cartoon character? It can even be another world entirely. What or who brought you together? Do you both belong in this world? Or is one of you an outsider?
Now you have a setting and the reasons why you and your chosen cartoon character are together. You may want to think about what narrative you’re going with. This is dependent on your preferences and the preferences of any other participants.
Want something focused on romance? Or maybe the cartoon character wants to turn you into a cartoon cow. Perhaps you’re both trying to figure out a way back home? Feel free to discuss with those you’re planning your session with to see what direction you’d want to take things.
Not too fussed about the logistics of why you’re interacting with the character? There’s nothing wrong with leaping into things and improvising. It can simply be helpful to some people to have a clear concept for a roleplay session in mind.
Most importantly, make sure everyone discusses their limits and boundaries! Even if you’re not planning on any sexual or romantic elements. Discussing these beforehand means that everyone knows how to keep things pleasurable!
Role Playing Techniques
Role playing relies heavily on improvisation. Improvisation focuses on your ability to build upon information being given to you. This will be easier with a planned scenario to establish some of the key plot points.
That doesn’t mean you should shut down any unexpected concepts or plot points thrown at you. Unless they’re crossing someone’s boundaries, think about how the character you’re playing would react. You can always come up with some ways to get the narrative back on track if it’s strayed too far.
No matter what character you’re playing, pretend you don’t know anything about the narrative unless it’s a scenario where one character has initiated events and has plans for the other, such as a cartoon character kidnapping you to hypnotize you.
You will likely be aware, outside of the roleplay, about what is going to happen. But to keep things immersive, you should act as if you don’t. You’ll find that if you stay in character, it makes the session feel much more realistic.
How To Stay In Character
Even if you’re not roleplaying as a cartoon character, you should do your research. Both into the character themselves, and the media they’re from. Even if you think you know everything about them!
This will allow you to fully understand the mindset of the character. Knowing how they might react to the situation they’re in. What their personality is like. What they like and dislike. It’s also a good idea to make note of any catchphrases or iconic moments they have.
If you feel like you can imitate a character’s voice, you should! Even if you’re not the best at impressions. Using their vocal quirks and accents makes it feel even more like you’re actually that character. It also adds an extra layer of immersion for the other participants!
You can also try getting into the mindset of the character a few days before the session, such as referring to yourself by their name or indulging in their interests. You could also try online roleplaying. Giving you ideas for how to act in your actual session.
This isn’t always necessary, depending on your scenario and preferences. Some people may prefer a cartoon character acting different from their usual self. You can always mix things up by starting off as in-character as possible. Then reveal that they behave completely differently outside of their media of origin.
If you’re feeling extra crafty and have the budget to do so, why not make a set? This is obviously dependent on your scenario. But if your setting is based in another world, decorate the session space to resemble it!
Don't feel afraid to rent private spaces or go outside if needed! Just make sure to treat the space with respect, and don't do anything too risqué in public!
Introducing Other Kinks And Fetishes
Whilst the idea of interacting with a cartoon character is exciting enough by itself. Others may be interested in introducing some kinks and fetishes. They can be used to entice people who aren't interested in the character themselves.
Some of these kinks and fetishes will inherently be tied to that character’s design or abilities. For example, a character who is fat already has appeal for those into belly play. It's usually a good idea to start with these characters to keep things simple.
But if you are in a position to customise a costume to cater to specific tastes. Or if you’re particularly skilled with roleplaying in person, you can start to branch out. Try introducing other kinks and fetishes you're into. Even if it's something a character wouldn't usually indulge in.
This allows for even more possibilities, characters, and scenarios to try. You can keep doing sessions with the same cartoon character without it getting stale!
There's no wrong way to do things when it comes to roleplaying! As long as you and those participating with you are finding it enjoyable, that's what matters most.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned everything needed to indulge in a fetish for cartoon characters in real life! Costumes and roleplaying are the path to a fully immersive experience. But you can do whatever works for you! You can even make an original character if you like!
Got some suggestions or stories of your own, cartoon character focused sessions? Let us know in the comments!
So, why not give it a try? I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful Rocksteady once you put this rhino mask on!
