Stylized
Papier mache and Perseverance
The 'play' element is sometimes just in the act of dressing up. Many conventions have a 'Masquerade' where you can perform a short skit, dance routine or something as your character. It demonstrates your understanding and personification of the character, also how sturdy/practical the costume is! I've seen some surprisingly good performances, like a dance from Princess Tutu cosplayers who can actually dance en pointe for real. It's great when people incorporate their other interests. We have quite a few musicians and martial artists turn up so their character is authentic.
There are also lots of game at conventions. Someone always brings a huge game of twister, impromptu tumbling (gymnastics) contests on the grass or a giant game of Where's Waldo with real people :3 Then there's just the feeling of showing off your hard work if you made the costume. You're also likely to be asked to pose for a photo, so you may do that alone or with friends in-character. It's fun to take the piss a bit- parody a certain series or create a crazy scenario that just wouldn't happen/everyone secretly wants to happen, in pictures.
Cosplay and fursuiting aren't really the same thing, but there's crossover as I said before. Lol Shan-Shan, I'll re post this for you
Lolness, Mame XP