1. A computer-implemented method comprising: identifying, on a processor, a primary node representing a first pose of an online character and a non-fading animation characteristic of the online character, and, identifying a non-primary node representing a fading animation characteristic of the online character, wherein the first pose is associated with a constraint being inactive; identifying the primary node representing a second pose of the online character and the non-fading characteristic, wherein the second pose is associated with the constraint being active, and wherein the second pose is defined, at least in part, by a user-input that affects an action of the online character; calculating a difference between the primary node of the second pose and the primary node of the first pose, wherein the non-primary node is absent from calculating the difference; and applying the difference to the primary node of the first pose, wherein the non-primary node is absent from applying the difference.