Theatrical costumes date back to antiquity. According to The Oxford Illustrated History of Theater, "In 5th century Athens, the playwrights were celebrities. Their costumes were splendid: while they would carry or wear role markers, such as scepters, garlands, oriental trousers, or mourning black, the standard outfit for the main characters was elaborately ornamented."
The wardrobe, makeup and hair also help the actor craft his character. In "The Costume Manifesto," designer Tara Maginnis states, "I, above all, work with actors: I help them build their character from without, even as they build it from within."
Under theatrical lights, fabric and makeup can appear differently than in normal light. According to William Ivey Long in Stagecraft Fundamentals, "Black costumes are a particular problem...Certain lights... can pierce through black dye to reveal other colors that had been on the fabric before."
Costume designers uncover historical details to enliven characters. According to renowned designer Jane Greenwood, "You're always investigating the truth of people's characters visually...You need to be able to read a play ... and understand who those people are."
Successful costumes epitomize characters, enhancing the believability of the story. Shakespeare's "King Lear," for example, uses physical changes in costume throughout the play to reflect Lear's emotional state.