Techniques for simulating interactions using an augmented reality device. A visual scene is captured using a camera device. The visual scene depicts of a first physical object within a physical environment. A dynamic interaction is simulated between the first physical object and one or more virtual objects and velocity of a first virtual object resulting from the simulated dynamic interaction is calculated. A predefined behavior for a virtual character to perform is selected in response to the dynamic interaction. The virtual character is distinct from the first virtual object, and the selection is based on the calculated velocity. A sequence of frames is rendered. The sequence of frames depicts the dynamic interaction between the first physical object and the virtual objects, and further depicts a representation of the virtual character performing the determined behavior. The sequence of frames is output for display using one or more display devices.