Character Definition Template

Character Document Format

Create characters/characters.md with the following structure:

# Character Definitions - [Comic Title]

**Style**: [selected style]
**Art Direction**: [Ligne Claire / Manga / etc.]

---

## Character 1: [Name]

**Role**: [Protagonist / Mentor / Antagonist / Narrator]
**Age**: [approximate age or age range in story]

**Appearance**:
- Face shape: [oval/square/round]
- Hair: [color, style, length]
- Eyes: [color, shape, distinctive features]
- Build: [height, body type]
- Distinguishing features: [glasses, beard, scar, etc.]

**Costume**:
- Default outfit: [detailed description]
- Color palette: [primary colors for this character]
- Accessories: [hat, bag, tools, etc.]

**Expression Range**:
- Neutral: [description]
- Happy/Excited: [description]
- Thinking/Confused: [description]
- Determined: [description]

**Visual Reference Notes**:
[Any specific artistic direction]

---

## Character 2: [Name]
...

Reference Sheet Image Prompt

After character definitions, include a prompt for generating the reference sheet:

## Reference Sheet Prompt

Character reference sheet in [style] style, clean lines, flat colors:

[ROW 1 - Character Name]:
- Front view: [detailed description]
- 3/4 view: [description]
- Expression sheet: Neutral | Happy | Focused | Worried

[ROW 2 - Character Name]:
...

COLOR PALETTE:
- [Character 1]: [colors]
- [Character 2]: [colors]

White background, clear labels under each character.

Example: Turing Biography

# Character Definitions - The Imitation Game

**Style**: classic (Ligne Claire)
**Art Direction**: Clean lines, muted colors, period-accurate details

---

## Character 1: Alan Turing

**Role**: Protagonist
**Age**: 25-40 (varies across story)

**Appearance**:
- Face shape: Oval, slightly angular
- Hair: Dark brown, wavy, slightly disheveled
- Eyes: Deep-set, intense gaze
- Build: Tall, lean, slightly awkward posture
- Distinguishing features: Prominent brow, thoughtful expression

**Costume**:
- Default outfit: Tweed jacket with elbow patches, white shirt, no tie
- Color palette: Muted browns, navy blue, cream
- Accessories: Occasionally a pipe, papers/notebooks

**Expression Range**:
- Neutral: Thoughtful, slightly distant
- Happy/Excited: Eureka moment, eyes bright, subtle smile
- Thinking/Confused: Furrowed brow, looking at abstract space
- Determined: Jaw set, focused eyes

---

## Character 2: The Bombe Machine

**Role**: Supporting (anthropomorphized)
**Appearance**:
- Large brass and wood cabinet
- Dial "eyes" that can express states
- Paper tape "mouth"
- Indicator lights for emotions

**Expression Range**:
- Processing: Spinning dials, humming
- Success: Lights up warmly
- Stuck: Smoke wisps, stuttering

---

## Reference Sheet Prompt

Character reference sheet in Ligne Claire style, clean lines, flat colors:

TOP ROW - Alan Turing:
- Front view: Young man, 30s, short dark wavy hair, thoughtful expression, wearing tweed jacket with elbow patches, white shirt
- 3/4 view: Same character, slight smile, showing profile of nose
- Expression sheet: Neutral | Excited (eureka moment) | Focused (working) | Worried

BOTTOM ROW - The Bombe Machine (anthropomorphized):
- Bombe machine as character: Large, brass and wood, dial "eyes", paper tape "mouth"
- Expressions: Processing (spinning dials) | Success (lights up) | Stuck (smoke wisps)

COLOR PALETTE:
- Turing: Muted browns (#8B7355), navy blue (#2C3E50), cream (#F5F5DC)
- Machine: Brass (#B5A642), mahogany (#4E2728), emerald indicators (#2ECC71)

White background, clear labels under each character.

Handling Age Variants

For biographies spanning many years, define age variants:

## Alan Turing - Age Variants

### Young (1920s, age 10-18)
- Boyish features, round face
- School uniform (Sherborne)
- Curious, eager expression

### Adult (1930s-40s, age 25-35)
- Angular face, defined jaw
- Tweed jacket, rumpled appearance
- Intense, focused expression

### Later (1950s, age 40+)
- Slightly weathered
- More casual dress
- Thoughtful, sometimes melancholic

Best Practices

Practice	Description
Be specific	"Short dark wavy hair, parted left" not just "dark hair"
Use distinguishing features	Glasses, scars, accessories that identify character
Define color codes	Use specific color names or hex codes
Include age markers	Wrinkles, posture, clothing style matching era
Reference real people	For historical figures, note "based on 1940s photographs"

Why Character Reference Matters

Without unified character definition, AI generates inconsistent appearances. The reference sheet provides:

1. Visual anchors for consistent features

2. Color palettes for consistent coloring

3. Expression documentation for emotional portrayals