One of the first things we focus on when a character enters the stage for the first time is their costume. The primary visual impression that affects the audience is that of colour. Colour has the ability to spark feelings, moods and thoughts. It is difficult to associate unequivocal meaning with specific colours as several variables can influence their interpretation. My thesis describes various methods and considerations for analysing colours, and the meanings that may be associated with them. It also sketches out the connections between colour symbolism, colour association and colour code, detailing the conceptual differences and similarities. The empirical research study comprises of two sections: in the first half I analyse the use of colour in the costume design of two stage plays, while in the second half I conduct semi-structured interviews with the costume designers working on these plays: Márta Jánoskúti and Anni Füzér. The aim of my thesis is to describe the link between theatrical character development and colour interpretation. One of the things it demonstrates is that although costume designers do not typically rely on the audience’s colour interpretation skills, the use of colour can, in fact, reinforce the narrative of the play.