There is a great amount of confusion about first person. I have witnessed many an argument on the subject. Some feel that dressing the part is enough, while others believe to truly breathe life into a character one must know her world and be able to speak intelligently about it.
I think it can be some of the first stages for those new to the hobby, and for the experienced reenactor it can be the final. To sum it up in one definition, I would have to say it is “the taking on and embodiment of the life of a woman of any era.” It can be many elements or only depend on one. The difference is the degree to which you wish to take it. It can encompass not only how one dresses, but speech patterns, style of walk, manners, and social graces. Your degree of seriousness depends on the reasons you have chosen to present it. Is it for a “time trip,” to honor a deceased relative, for competition, or because everyone else is doing it. The answer to these will guide you in finding your “identity.” Through my years in the hobby, I have found a deep need for women to have a place. Many long for something to do and to feel constructive. We have far too many “ball gowns on the battlefield” and far too few true portrayals. There is a hunger to see more; just notice the looks of wonder, questions of curiosity, crowd gathering, and even applause a good first person draws. For those who say they cannot act, are they acting in their modern life? No of course not, because you know who you are. That is the secret to a good and believable first person. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Putting on a hoop or bonnet will not do it for you. Anyone can wear a long dress, only a few can become of woman of the era, and it is not for a lack of rolls to choose from. Research is the key.
The key is to choose a role that complements you. A woman afraid of horse should not be astride a horse or driving a team. A harmonious blending of your modern self and that which you wish to be helps. You may be surprised just how much of that modern self you can take back with you. Some women choose a role that is the complete opposite of their modern life; just don’t try to be a camp follower with a husband and children at your side! We can’t form up in battle lines in quite the numbers and impressive force of the men, so we must fine other areas to expand and take our place.
Where to Start
The most obvious place to start is with your family tree. What could be more natural than to become a woman whose very blood is in your veins? Old letters, diaries, or pictures will help you begin. If you have a grandmother who as a child knew of your ancestors in the Civil War or know the stories that have been passed down of ancestors before them; pick their memories for all information. If you cannot find our own historical roots, then begin with your local or state history. Were there relief agencies from your town, a group of nurse who set out for the hospitals or a famous woman you can portray. (Be Warned! This is the hardest first person to pull off, someone that everyone “knows”). Again you can use a lot more of your modern self than you might believe. If you are a nurse in the real world, then take it back with you and incorporate. Women were everywhere. They filled all roles.
Your Place in Society
What hurts us most in this hobby, yet seems to be the most popular, is the notion that everyone looked liked a high society or shop as the wealthy would shop. Remember that looking through at any fashion plate is the equivalent of looking at a Vogue today. It is NOT the norm! Photographs or drawings of an era will give you a far better picture of the typical woman. Fashion magazines were a guideline that often only the rich and affluent could follow. Add the fact of illiteracy, the slow movement of information or mail, and the geographic location of most of these women; you come to realize how few really could have put that information to us. Keep in mind whom your significant other is portraying also. Far too many privates in the hobby have wives with very expensive clothes. Many times the remark can be overheard at an event that a woman cannot afford an expensive ball gown. Well neither could women of most eras. Do notice that overall the men in the hobby demand authenticity from each other and inspect the ranks accordingly. There are far too few "common" women portrayed at events. Most women assume it is too dull and boring. If brought together correctly it can be just as stunning, often times more so for its beauty and simplicity.
Again, I stress, that the more of the "real" you that is taken back, the less "acting" you will have to do. It will become a lot more natural to slip into that dress and become a woman of the era. Many women in the hobby "look" great, but cannot quite pull off the whole thing because they are not comfortable with the role they have chosen. And it shows.
Language, Manners, and Social Graces
This is the hardest area to master. We can look at old photographs and illustrations to guide us in our visual image, but where does a woman go to learn about proper speech patterns? Again, the easiest is to start with who you were. The first question is: Were you literate or illiterate? A well-travelled woman? From what geographical area, economic backgund? Would you have owned a Bible, or any books? Swearing, without a doubt, is improper for most impressions, as is drinking or smoking. But even those have their place for some women. This is one area of research that needs a lot more work. There are few etiquette books out there but they may have been more guidelines than the norm for most people. Read all you can and ask questions of women who have been in the hobby for many years. Attend seminars, when you can, ask people at historical sites but DO NOT go by the movies! Keep in mind your station in life and who would have surrounded you in your everyday functions. Though it will be easier if you remain as the same character throughout the weekend, there is nothing wrong with being a nurse at the battle in the morning and the belle of the ball that night. Granted certain women would not have socialized together, let alone be seen on the same steet, but for events it helps to consider that at any time there can be a whole cast of characters on one spot. A good camp follower or bar wench impression is wonderful to watch (and extremely rare), but often is done incorrectly or in a "Miss Kitty" style which only confuses the public and raises anger among fellow reenactors. While you may strive to achieve a level of authenticity, others around your may not and it can be dificult to interact. But again knowing your impression will help you. Even a "proper" lady would know how to act when confronted with improper etiquette or rude behavior. If this can be achieved through your impression, your actions will educate faster than a verbal put down of "non-authentic" behavior.
Dress and Clothing
Much can be saves by choosing your wardrobe after you have chosen your impression. For once you have chosen your impression you are ready to invest in her clothing. I use the word invest because it will be up to you how much and how extensive your clothing outlay will be. Saldy, many women acquire their clothing first only to learn down the road that their first person would not have dressed in such a fashion. This can be expensive and frustrating for the women new to the hobby. Unless you have an open checkbook, take a little time and do it correct the first try out. It can be a bit overwhelming to go to your first event, see the wonderful dresses, and get the "fever" to immediately begin sewing or purchasing madly. In the long run, do your homework! Regional differences can play a big part in what you may wear. New information is surfacing yearly and many old myths are being disproved, so try to stay up to date as much as possible. Attend seminars and read. Use the authentic patterns, only!
BEWARE of sutler row, for not all that you see there is authentic. Remember, they are sales people trying to sell their wares and make money.
Ask questions of the more experienced women in the hobby and avoid using movies for examples! But most of all, stop thinking like a modern woman as much as possible. Realizing that you can live without makeup, you can get used to not having a shower everyday, and you can take on a "less" liberated life-style without sacrificing your ego.
Try dressing the part at first, imagine how it must have felt to live then, what you would have considered important. Then with each successive event try to put words to your feelings, play off of other women who are comfortable doing first person. Eventually begin to work the crowds. Many times their enthusiasm is a catalyst that propels you forward. The moment when someone approaches you with a question, you will answer in confidence that can be very rewarding to you. And how far can it take you? Once in a competition, someone was asked who the Queen of England was. They knew to answer with Victoria and not Elizabeth. And at some point, you too, can trip through the door that all reenactors live for: the door that lets you, for a brief moment, enter into the world you are reenacting.
