1. A method, comprising: using a computer to perform: receiving input representing one or more external forces acting on an animated character during execution of an interactive application; determining a reference pose for the animated character in a current animation frame in reaction to the one or more external forces, wherein said determining comprises performing a quasi-physical simulation, and wherein the quasi-physical simulation comprises a non-physical force or allows the animated character to follow a non-physical reference motion; and displaying the animated character in its determined pose.