Historical Reenactors: Creating Your Own Historic Persona

Whatever name you call them by - living historians or reenactors - their pastime is exciting and seems almost magical. After all, who doesn't welcome the chance to take a break from the monotony of everyday life and be a different person, in a different time, even if only for awhile? History comes alive for these certified portrayers. That's also true for people who aren't 'real' reenactors but love to dress the part. It's hard to remember to stay in character, whether it's an official reenactment or just a hobby. Here are some tips to create a persona seems as if he or she has jumped right off the pages of history:

Tip One: Choosing the Perfect Historical Name

Choosing a name for a historical persona is very important. Even if you're not a reenactor, it's always fun to pick an appropriate name to represent the person you'll portray while wearing your historical clothing. It doesn't make a difference if you're going to a reenactment or just enjoying a historical persona in the comfort of your own home. Nothing throws me out of a historical fiction book faster than a medieval lady named Brittany or an ancient Roman named Brian. The same should go for historical personas. There are websites that should help history lovers get a general idea so they can choose an appropriate name.

Tip Two: Backstory For Your Persona

It's fun to make up backstory for your historical character / persona. Did he or she come into the world aboard ship, born to a pirate mother? Or lose a sibling in a horrible fire that shaped him or her for life? Is she left-handed because of an injury? Did he have a pet wolf when he was a boy? As long as the events could have actually happened throughout the pages of history, it is acceptable. It's like living an alternate life, creating a persona where *you* are in charge of your own past, present, and future just by writing the details! History has never been so much fun. And history has never meant so much personally.

Tip Three: Learning the Lingo - No "Dudes" Allowed

I am sometimes bothered by books that use the term "okay." In the book in question, I was sure this wasn't appropriate for WWII-era characters, but then I discovered the term was, indeed, around in the 1940s. Usually the conflict isn't so easy to rectify. Besides having inappropriate names, something that throws me out of a historical novel very quickly is out-of-character language, and this goes for reenacting and upkeeping a historical persona also. How many medieval knights really said "awesome"? For those who are really serious about it, check out some language tapes to find out *how* people talked in the time period you're representing. At some point in the Middle Ages, for example, words were pronounced differently and the "k" in words like "knife" was not silent. Uncertain you can remember the rules? Just speak plain and clear in your regular voice but try not to add modern terminology.

Tip Four: Clothing and Accessories From History

Whether you're a reenactor or just like to have a historical persona, the level of authenticity you strive for is your own personal choice. It's not necessary to buy every piece of a historic outfit; it is possible to look the part without spending a fortune. When I purchased my authentic 1940s dress and hat, I bought a chain purse and black flat shoes, both in the style of the 1940s, thus mixing and matching old and new for a look that pulled together very nicely. Budget has a great deal to say about it. Keep personal comfort in mind also. For instance, at a history event like a Civil War reenactment, you can wear a hoopskirt and dress and bonnet to keep up appropriate appearances, but no one's really going to know if you have on long woolen garments underneath. Don't torture yourself with *complete* adherence to historical costume if it's 100 degrees!

Oh, and other reenactors (and even some onlookers) *will* be able to tell if there's a zipper in that Civil War ball-gown! Or sneaker laces in your Victorian shoes. Don't forget to pay proper homage to the time period you're representing. As I said, every piece doesn't have to be an actual vintage item, but please don't mix authentic items with new, obviously modern pieces! This not only creates an unprofessional look but shows people you're probably not all that serious about what you do.

Good luck with creating a persona from the pages of history!