Abstract

Character design is the visual process of creating a character’s appearance to reflect its personality, role, and emotions. One of the foundational techniques in character design uses simple geometric forms—circles, squares, and triangles—to build a clear visual language. This article explains how each of these shapes carries emotional and psychological associations, how they appear in character design, and how a beginning animation student can apply these ideas. The terms “shape language,” “silhouette,” and “dominant shape” are defined in plain language. By understanding how basic shapes form the basis of expressive character design, high-school students who are exploring university animation programs can gain a solid first step into visual storytelling and design thinking.

Keywords: character design, shape language, circles squares triangles, visual personality, 2D animation

What is character design

Character design is the art of deciding how a character looks so their form supports their personality, behaviour, and the story they appear in. According to a design research article, character design combines appearance, personality, and behaviour into a visual whole. (eudl.eu) One of the first choices a designer makes is the basic shape system, often called “shape language.” Shape language refers to using simple geometric forms to convey meaning quickly and clearly. (waltdisney.org)

Why shapes matter: circles, squares, triangles

In character design a “dominant shape” refers to the main geometry that the character’s form suggests—this might be the head, body or silhouette overall. Using a dominant circle, square or triangle helps viewers instantly sense something about the character. The Walt Disney Family Museum guide states that “circles and ovals are great to use for friendly faces.” (waltdisney.org)

Circles: Characters built around circular and curved forms tend to appear friendly, soft, and safe. They avoid sharp angles and thus read as welcoming. An article on shape language says circles are associated with “friendliness, softness, and safety.” (Game Art Outsourcing Studio | VSQUAD) For example, a round-bodied character with smooth curves might be used to represent a kind guide or a child-like figure.

Squares (and rectangles): These shapes suggest stability, reliability, and strength. Their straight edges and right angles read as grounded and steady. The guide states that squares and rectangles can give “the sense of weight and how grounded or balanced it is.” (waltdisney.org) A square-shaped character might be a protector, a dependable friend, or a serious figure.

Triangles: These shapes read as dynamic, sometimes sharp or even aggressive. The guide explains that triangles are “sharp” and exaggeration of those shapes can heighten fear or menace. (waltdisney.org) A character designed with dominant triangles might be an antagonist, a trickster, or a fast-moving hero.

How shape language applies in design

When designing a character you begin with the silhouette: a dark outline without details showing the overall form. Design research shows that if the silhouette is clear, viewers can recognise the character even without colour or detail. (eudl.eu) The designer then chooses a dominant shape and builds around it—perhaps round head, curved body, soft limbs for a friendly character; or a wide square torso and angular limbs for a strong one. Then the designer may add secondary shapes to support the personality—a round face but angular accessory might suggest a gentle character with sharp thinking.

A 2024 study into 2D animation character design analysed three characters and found that two of them successfully conveyed their intended personality through basic shapes (circle, square, triangle) while one needed improvement in aligning the shape to the personality. (eudl.eu)

How high-school students exploring animation can try it

  1. Draw three characters using only simple shapes: one based on circles, one on squares, one on triangles. Without adding detail, ask someone to guess which is friendly, which is strong or serious, and which is energetic or dangerous.
  2. Make each character hold the same pose, but change the dominant shape. Observe how the feel changes.
  3. Then add tweaks: a mostly circular character with triangular accessories could feel friendly but clever or mischievous. Mix shapes thoughtfully rather than randomly.
  4. Study existing cartoons or animations and identify which basic shapes dominate each character’s design. Ask how shape supports their personality.
  5. In a university-level 2D animation course you will study how such design decisions link to movement, expression, and story. But the shape language gives you an early visual tool.

By using circles, squares, and triangles to build characters, you create a visual shorthand that helps viewers quickly understand personality and emotion. For students considering animation study, mastering basic shape language gives you a strong foundation for further design, storyboarding, and animation work.