Mute characters

[punkarsenic]

ive written a few semi-mute characters - that is, they rarely talked, only if they had no other option - be it because theyre autistic (like me), or deaf, or both. Typically, I'd have sign language incorporated in, with speech bubbles coming from the hands - if its assumed that the cast can all sign - otherwise, I'd have another character translating.

on one hand, i love mute characters that use telepathy or some other creative method to communicate, but on the other, i crave realistic portrayals of mute characters. thats why i veer towards using sign language, even when magic and superpowers exist in a universe - its what we use in real life. i think a good compromise is, say, someone signs what they want to say, and its made into speech by a magic spell or the like. something that still incorporates signing into the equation.

also, of course, you can always utilise the fact that youre showing an image - body language, facial expressions, there are tonnes of tools of expression that are nonverbal.

[MissMagicGirl]

Interesting topic. The ghost character in my comic is mute. Well, he does say "boo" and "ohhhh" ... Ghost sounds you know. ^^But he never has any lines. I try to use different expressions for him to show what he is feeling and sometimes I use him to mirror other characters expressions. Just because it looks funny

[Chopythes]

I actually have two, from two different comics!
The first one is Louise from Beyond the Ordinary

And Julia from Heritage

I'm using Swedish Sign Language (because, why not? I'm Swedish and used to study it xD)
They have speachbubbles, but I try to make sure that they don't look like the ordinary kind, since they don't really use their mouth to be understood.

As you can see, it's just a tiny line xD

But I also just use ONE word to depict and I try to pick out he strongest word in that panel.
Like how Louse uses "Never ever" in the panel, and Julia's just mad so she's not using any sign language there.

Even tho I make urban fantasy, telepathy is not a thing that exists in these universes. They're just human being who happens to be deaf/deaf-mute.
I also don't sound effect pages where they're alone in, all to give it an extra feeling of silent. Instead I try to use more motions in the BG, like how they rely on their vision and sensitivity instead of hearing.

I only use a thought bubble to enhance a feeling, but otherwise I try not to xD

[Jrej]

Just had to add my character Lev from Shades Of Men.
He's a grumpy hobo living in Paris. So grumpy he wouldn't say a word...

He's soon the only one faced with responsabilities.
And has to take action....

The story is all about character developement.
Hopefully I have a chatty hobo, Ricky, to counter balance the rythm.

[indagold]

Welcome Back Has three mute characters but two are much, much later on and hasn't been introduced yet. I have a little elf character that never speaks. Probably a mixture of being shy, living alone with one person and being a butler he doesn't have much to do besides doing chores.


I kinda envisioned elf society in this world to be completely eccentric and bizarre to add onto the why elves act odd. Some remain mute for fun, secrecy or to hide a creepier side to themselves. Others scream or laugh constantly. I based them off of myths and stories of fairies since they all seem pretty crazy, dangerous and unpredictable.