Questions about referencing copywriter media

Howdy, I have a story I’m working on about a cosplayer. Are there any specific rules that would prevent me from referencing that characters she’s dressed up as. Like if she was Sailor Moon, could I actually call it as such?

I would think that would be okay copyright-wise if you're just describing the character as being dressed like Sailor Moon. But incorporating tropes from Sailor Moon into the story or the character's actions could be dicier. Hope a mod chimes in soon.

The interactions I have planned involved dressing, occasionally acting in character, and using some character quotes (all acknowledged as coming from the shows). She is a professional who does streaming and convention performances.

Well, again, mods probably likely have the final say on this, and they may be more strict than is strictly necessary, but from my understanding regarding fair use:

I generally agree with Seeker here regarding fair use. Name-dropping characters should be fine is that is typically considered a statement of fact. Acknowledging that something exists is not considered problematic. Also, I'd imagine noting that they are dressed as said character is likely okay.

If the quoting is limited, like say, them dropping their catchphrase or something, as long as it's clear that it is in the context of cosplay (which it sounds like is the intent) is probably fine. Where you may run into issues is if you intend for the in-character part of the story to be substantial and not incidental (e.g. thinly veiled fanfic). Like if they had a sex scene entirely in-character as Sailor Moon or something, that could be pushing things. But again, that's up to the mods.

Quote by RowanThorn

Howdy, I have a story I’m working on about a cosplayer. Are there any specific rules that would prevent me from referencing that characters she’s dressed up as. Like if she was Sailor Moon, could I actually call it as such?

Yeah, sounds fine to me.