Character by ReedFerry

Effect

The trick Character is a multi-phase mentalism routine where the magician guides spectators to collaboratively create a fictional character. The effect involves divining a personality trait, a name, and a number associated with the character. The climax reveals that a randomly generated number matches a real contact in a spectator’s phone, tying the fictional character to reality.

Full Details

The routine begins with the magician asking spectators to think of different aspects of a fictional character:

The magician uses peeks and forces (such as the contacts force) to divine each piece of information. The final phase involves inputting the generated number into a spectator’s phone, which pulls up a contact matching the name previously thought of. This creates a full-circle moment where the fictional character appears to have a real-world connection.

Key elements include:

• Justified phone handling: The magician uses the pretext of making a prediction to set up the method.
• Breaking up method work: Interaction with spectators is used to mask suspicious actions.
• Unique reveal: The moment when the number pulls up the predicted name is designed to be a strong, mind-blowing climax.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalism performers who:

• Enjoy multi-phase routines with layered reveals.
• Are comfortable using spectators’ phones as part of the method.
• Want a strong, interactive effect that involves multiple participants.

Difficulty

The trick requires intermediate-level mentalism skills, including:

• Proficiency in peeks and forces (e.g., the contacts force).
• The ability to justify handling a spectator’s phone naturally.
• Strong scripting and pacing to maintain engagement throughout the routine.

Reed mentions that the method has been refined to be more streamlined, making execution easier while maintaining the same spectator experience.

What Magicians Say

Reed describes Character as one of his most sought-after effects, praising its unique reveal:
"The reveal is just so exciting when they type the number and the name pops up—it’s why the effect hits so strong."

He highlights the importance of justified actions and pacing to prevent suspicion, noting that breaking up method work with spectator interaction is key. The routine’s strength lies in its plot and the unexpected connection between the fictional character and a real contact.

For magicians interested in learning advanced mentalism techniques, Reed hints that Character may be released as part of his mentalism membership, where he teaches methods like the contacts force.