A mechanism for animated characters capable of visually communicating facial expressions is provided. The mechanism (10) has two mesh gears per upper or lower lip (FIG. 1b). One gear of each pair is rotated by a single drive (20, 22). Each gear has two guidance devices (60, 62, 56, 58). Rotation of any gear to which the elastomeric material (80) is connected via a guidance device results in the stretch or ability to retract the elastomeric material. Secondary guidance devices (64, 66, 68, 70) on a gear, when in contact with the elastomeric material, cause an inflection or deflection of the elastomeric material. Resulting stretch or bending of the elastomeric material mimics facial expressions.