ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at why and how we relate to characters, and it provides tips on designing characters children will love. Two of the most important character types in children’s software are agents and avatars. Agents stay in character and react differently than avatars might. One of the most crucial features of a virtual world for kids is the design of the avatars, the characters who represent the child within the world. An avatar is an extension of the child in the virtual space. A well-designed avatar facilitates kids’ participation by letting them easily create, craft, and personalize an identity through character options, clothing, and props. Avatars and agents, like all illustrated characters, are measured in “heads.” When creating avatars, agents, and kid characters in general, the smaller the body in relation to the head, the younger the character will seem. Clothes, hairstyles, and props are the main visual differentiators between many avatars.
