There are not much previous knowledge about visual definitions of main and supporting character. The aim of this study was to clarify their differences and to find out which features a viewer notices. The research focused mainly on humanoid characters.

Previously it has been known that human beings instinctively apply interpretive strategies to other people when meeting them for the first time and they do the same with fictional characters. The first impressions are influenced by attractiveness, baby faces and stereotypes. The story has an influence on how easy it is for a viewer to identify with the character. Cultures, social roles, facial impressions and details also define how important the character can be seen as.

The study included a questionnaire gathering information of what viewers see in characters at first glance. The questions consisted of ten different pictures of characters and the participants chose whether characters were seen as main or supporting characters. The results were compared with the information known eariler. The findings showed that confident characters are often seen as strong main characters. Stereotypes and archetypes such as adventurer, bad guy, crush and mentor are often recognized. The details drawn to the characters give a sight of careful designing work. The main character’s face is still often simple and lacks of individual features. Alien characters are difficult to be identified and therefore should not be used as main characters. Conclusions about the characters’ cultures are made from clothing, accessory, hairstyles and backgrounds.

This study is useful for those interested in drawing and character designing. The results may help designers to create more successful characters.

Keywords: Concept Art, Character Design, Stereotypes