Sure, I could try! It’s still a bit confusing since it was mostly just entertainment for me until very recently.

It’s a combination tbh. Obviously a lot of it is acting, and you never know exactly how genuine your oshi really really is, but their personality, tastes, and sense of humour all shine through. It’d be generally pretty tough for it to be a complete facade and for them to still seem genuine.

Then again, you never know. I’ve heard there were some VTs who did a complete 180 in personality, for example. I think it’d be hard to not notice some signs, but strong feelings can severely cloud judgement, so who knows.

The character’s design and mannerisms are also pretty important, though. I think a lot of the time the VTs will want to play a character that’s kinda an idealised version of themselves. If they see themselves as cute or cool or sexy, they’ll play up those attributes.

As for knowing stuff about them, I think it also varies from VT to VT. Some are more willing to share aspects of their personal life than others. The one I fell for is quite open about her life, but I’m someone who highly values honesty and integrity, so I guess that tracks.