A Cephalometric Analysis of Characters in Disney Animated Films

Humans interpret emotions from expressions such as smiles, frowns, squints, and grimaces. We also tend to make character judgments based on static features of the face. Particular facial features can transform an individual’s persona from ignorant to competent in the eyes of a job interviewer (Dipboye, Fromkin & Wiback, 1975) or even from guilty to not guilty in the eyes of a jury (Zebrowitz & McDonald, 1991). This study explores whether certain facial features in Disney animated characters correlate to “good” or “evil” as perceived by the general audience. We hypothesized that “good” characters described by fans as “kind,” “endearing,” or “honest” would generally have more baby-faced features characterized by large round eyes, short sloped noses, and skeletal class II facial profiles with small chins; conversely, we predicted that “evil” characters described by fans as “mean,” “sinister,” or “sly” would generally have more mature facial features characterized by small oval-shaped eyes, large noses, and skeletal class III facial profiles with prominent chins.

Films analyzed were limited to the list of “Disney Animated Classics.” Characters chosen met the following inclusion/exclusion criteria: must be representative of a human; must have a lateral image available online; must play a major role in the narrative; must have clear motivations (ie, alignment “good” or “evil”). Data collected included: soft tissue cephalometrics measured digitally using Dolphin Imaging Software (©2016 Patterson Dental Supply, Inc.); and descriptive data for the shape of eyes and nose. 119 characters were studied from 38 “Disney Animated Classics” (79 “good” and 40 “evil”). Compared to “good” characters, a larger proportion of “evil” characters showed more protruding facial profiles coupled with more pronounced lower faces, and longer noses. Also, “evil” characters typically possessed convex or bumpy noses with acute nasolabial angles, whereas “good” characters typically possessed concave or straight noses with obtuse nasolabial angles. Whether the choices to draw these famous characters such were driven by aesthetics, marketing tactics, or coincidence, the results reveal that images in the media reflect society’s tendency to associate facial characteristics with character traits. Research funded by the Jean Educational and Research Grant.

References:

1. Dipboye, R L, Fromkin, H L, & Wiback, K: Relative importance of applicant sex, attractiveness, and scholastic standing in evaluation of job applicant resumes. Journal of Applied Psychology, 60(1), 39-43, 1974

2. Zebrowitz, L A, & Mcdonald, S M: The impact of litigants' baby-facedness and attractiveness on adjudications in small claims courts. Law and Human Behavior, 15(6), 603-623, 1990