A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A), a second end portion (6B), and a central portion (6C). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14), which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14A), a second end (14B), and a center portion (14C). The upper lip chain is disposed to underlie the mouth. The drive assembly is adapted to move at least one of the first and second ends of the upper lip chain or an intermediate portion thereof and, hence, the corresponding portion of the mouth, to cause various facial expressions, such as a smile, frown, or mumbling mouth.