Something i've been pondering for awhile. We see all the time comments and suggestions about creating your character. Suggestions about having to be an actor playing the part of a magician and maintaining a feeling or atmosphere within your act. For awhile i considered this and played around with what is was to be a magician and to have a successful act. I've also seen so many magicians fall into the pitfalls of trying to hard to fit a character. While i agree that the magic you choose should meld well with your act and fit you, i dont agree with the idea of a character. Seeing people like David Blaine, in his early specials putting on this facade of a creepy monotone almost zombie like magician, compared to some behind the scenes footage of him as a regular guy is off-putting. Criss Angel is another example but im just gonna leave that alone. I think much more success can be garnered by just existing as yourself. Two of the most popular and inspiring magicians i have ever met are Daniel Garcia and Wayne Houchin. When interacting with them i dont get a sense of a character, I feel as if im meeting a person, and that person just happens to do a little magic. Seeing them perform is no different then seeing them hang out at the bar with their friends. Because there is no "act" or "character" to conform to it comes naturally, everything is natural and everything just seems more relaxed and to flow better. My point is this, that dont try and create a character, dont try and fill a mold, especially when its someone else's your copying. Instead try and reveal the character you have had all along. Be YOURSELF. It will make the connection you have with your audience that much more powerful and make performing more natural and easier. These are my thoughts, lets hear yours.