Role-Play Your Favourite Character
Green highlight

Choose a favourite character, make a simple costume or prop, practice voice and movements, and perform a short scene to explore creativity.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Role-Play Your Favourite Character

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard or a small box, colouring materials such as crayons markers or coloured pencils, elastic band or string, fabric or old clothes for a costume piece, glue stick, paper, pencil, scissors, tape

Step 1

Pick your favourite character from a book show movie or game and say their name out loud.

Step 2

Say three things that make this character special like their voice outfit or favourite move.

Step 3

Gather the materials listed above from around your house so everything is ready.

Step 4

Make one simple costume piece or prop such as a cape hat or mask using paper fabric tape and colouring materials.

Step 5

Put on or hold your costume piece or prop to feel like the character.

Step 6

Practice the character’s voice three times in front of a mirror using the voice you imagine for them.

Step 7

Practice the character’s main movement pose or gesture three times so your body knows what to do.

Step 8

Create a short scene or single line that shows who your character is and that lasts about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 9

Rehearse your short scene while using your voice movement and prop so it all fits together.

Step 10

Perform your scene once for a family member or pet so you can share your creation.

Step 11

Ask that person for one friendly piece of feedback to help you improve.

Step 12

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

We don't have paper, fabric, tape, or colouring materials — what can we use instead to make a cape, hat, or mask?

Use an old T‑shirt or scarf as a cape, a cereal‑box cutout for a mask, safety pins or glue instead of tape, and crayons, markers, or cut‑up magazines for colouring when you Make one simple costume piece or prop.

My prop or costume keeps falling apart during practice — how can I fix that so I can Rehearse your short scene without it breaking?

Reinforce cardboard props with extra tape or glue, attach fabric with safety pins or elastic bands, and test movements slowly during the Practice the character’s main movement pose or gesture three times so everything stays secure.

How can I adapt the steps for different ages so it's fun but not too hard or too easy?

For younger children simplify by using one pre‑made costume piece, practicing the character’s voice once and a 15–30 second scene, while older kids can make more detailed props, practice the character’s voice three times, and create a 30–60+ second scripted scene to Rehearse.

What are some ways to make the performance more creative or to share it beyond just performing for a family member?

Build a simple cardboard mini‑set with fabric backdrops, add sound effects or background music during the Performance, film the final take, and then Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Role-Play Your Favourite Character

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Play in Early Childhood: The Role of Play in Any Setting

4 Videos

Facts about drama and imaginative play

🧥 A single prop or costume piece—like a hat or cape—can instantly tell an audience who a character is.

🎭 Improvisational theatre was popularized in the 20th century and helps actors think fast and invent scenes on the spot.

🗣️ Nancy Cartwright, an adult, famously voices Bart Simpson—adults often voice child characters in animation.

🌟 Role-playing boosts empathy and communication—kids who act out characters practice seeing other people's perspectives.

🧵 Theater costume designers frequently reuse thrifted items and craft supplies, proving great costumes don't need expensive materials.

How do you role-play your favourite character?

Start by choosing a favourite character and talk about what makes them special (voice, walk, catchphrases). Make a simple costume or prop using clothes, cardboard, tape, and markers. Practice the character’s voice and movements in short 5–10 minute sessions. Create a one- to two-minute scene with a clear beginning, problem, and ending. Perform for family, record a video, and celebrate effort. Encourage improvisation and keep it playful and low-pressure.

What materials do I need for role-playing my favourite character?

You'll need everyday items: dress-up clothes, hats, scarves, and safe household fabrics. Cardboard, tape, glue, child-safe scissors, markers, and stickers work for simple props. Optional: face paint or washable makeup, a small mirror, and a notebook for a short script. If recording, use a phone or tablet and a tripod or stack of books. Most materials are reusable and easy to substitute with what's on hand.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits many ages with simple adaptations. Toddlers (2–3) enjoy miming and dressing up with help; keep sessions brief. Preschoolers (3–5) can pick a character, wear a costume, and practice simple lines. Early elementary (6–8) handle short scenes, props, and role-switching. Older kids (9–12+) can write scripts, explore character motivations, and direct peers. Always tailor complexity, supervision, and safety to your child’s attention span and abilities.

What are the benefits of role-playing your favourite character?

Role-playing a favourite character boosts creativity, language skills, and confidence. Children practice storytelling, expressive speech, and body awareness while trying new emotions and problem-solving. It builds empathy by stepping into another person’s perspective and improves memory through remembering lines and actions. Performing for family strengthens social skills and reduces stage fright. Short, repeated sessions also support self-regulation and fine motor skills when making props. It’s
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required