Indicating Personality Through Species
The wide appeal of anthropomorphic cartoons is not limited to character design. Furry characters come complete with a certain amount of personality based on a set of preconceived notions about how that animal behaves. You can use those assumptions to add dimension to your character's personality, either by underscoring it or by contradicting it.
The main distinction between animals is in their eating habits. Herbivores eat plants, and carnivores eat other animals. Basing a character on a carnivore — such as a lion or a wolf — gives that character an aggressive or dangerous nature. Conversely, herbivores are usually smart and resourceful, outwitting the carnivores at every turn.
Another distinction between animals is that of being warm-blooded or cold-blooded. Cold-blooded reptiles such as alligators and crocodiles are often presented as having less emotional sensitivity than warm-blooded creatures do. The term “cold-blooded” is even used to describe a person who is lacking emotion.
Animals also have personalities based on familiar stories, fairy tales, and myths. Consider some of the following:
A lion is the king of beasts.
Storks bring babies.
Elephants never forget.
Groundhogs predict the weather.
Owls are wise.
Bats are blind.
Cats are cool.
Foxes are sly.
One of the most unique approaches to indicating personality through species comes from Bill Holbrook in Kevin and Kell (
Playing off of these anecdotal personalities can also be a powerful source of inspiration for your character. There is a long list of furry characters that base their personalities on these preconceived notions.
