Documentation
README
Character Design System ā Character Design Methodology
Expert knowledge used by the storyboarder and image-generator agents when designing characters and generating consistent images.
Why a System Is Needed
The biggest challenge in AI image generation is character consistency. If the face changes from panel to panel, the comic falls apart. A systematic character sheet and prompt strategy are the keys to consistency.
Character Sheet Design
Required Components
Character Sheet
āāā Full-body front view (default pose)
āāā Full-body side view
āāā Full-body back view
āāā Face close-up (3/4 angle)
āāā Expression chart (6 basic emotions)
āāā Outfit design (default + variations)
āāā Props/Accessories
Character Specification Template
## [Character Name]
### Basic Info
- Age: / Gender: / Height: / Body type:
- Role: Protagonist / Antagonist / Supporting / Extra
### Key Visual Traits (AI Prompt Fixed Values)
- Hair: [Color], [Length], [Style] (e.g., "short black hair, messy")
- Eyes: [Color], [Distinctive features] (e.g., "sharp dark brown eyes")
- Body type: [Type] (e.g., "athletic build, broad shoulders")
- Distinguishing features: [Scars, glasses, tattoos, etc.]
### Outfit
- Default: [Detailed description]
- Variations: [Context-specific outfits]
### Prompt Anchor Phrase
"[gender] [age range], [hair], [eyes], [body type], [clothing], [distinctive feature]"
-> Insert this phrase identically into every panel's prompt
Silhouette Test
Good character design should be identifiable from the silhouette alone.
Silhouette Differentiation Elements
| Element | Differentiation Method |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Exaggerate height and build differences |
| Hairstyle | Give each character a unique silhouette shape |
| Posture | Assign different default poses (habitual stances) |
| Props | Items they always carry (staff, book, hat) |
| Clothing Silhouette | Capes, coat tails, hoods, etc. |
Key Character Differentiation Checklist
- When three characters are side by side, can they be distinguished by silhouette alone?
- Can each character be identified when converted to black and white?
- Can characters be told apart in a reduced thumbnail?
Expression Chart (Expression Sheet)
Six Basic Expressions
| Emotion | Eyes | Eyebrows | Mouth | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy | Crescent-shaped, narrowed | Raised | Wide open/Smile | Flushed cheeks |
| Sadness | Drooping, moist | Inner ends raised | Downturned | Tears, head lowered |
| Anger | Sharp, narrowed | V-shaped downward | Clenched/Open | Forehead veins |
| Fear | Wide open, small pupils | Raised | Open | Sweat, trembling |
| Surprise | Wide open, dilated pupils | Raised | O-shaped | Leaning back |
| Contempt | Half-closed | One side raised | Smirk/One side up | Head turned away |
Character-Specific Expression Variations
The same emotion is expressed differently based on character personality:
| Emotion | Energetic Character | Cool Character | Timid Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joy | Cheering, jumping | Subtle smile | Shy smile, averted eyes |
| Anger | Shouting, violent gestures | Cold stare | Teary-eyed, clenched fists |
| Surprise | "Whoa!" exaggerated reaction | Eyes widen slightly | Steps back, covers mouth |
AI Image Generation Consistency Strategy
Reference-Based Generation
- Generate character sheet first as a reference image
- Use the reference in all subsequent panel generation prompts
Prompt Consistency Rules
- Anchor Phrase: Copy identical character appearance description into every prompt
- Style Lock: Consistently use the same style instruction (e.g., "Korean manhwa style")
- Negative Prompt: Include prevention phrases like "different face, inconsistent design"
- Reference Image Required: Always include the character sheet as reference
- Outfit Changes Must Be Explicit: When outfit changes, start with "same character, new outfit:"
Handling Consistency Breaks
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Face changes | Appearance description missing from prompt | Reinsert anchor phrase + reference |
| Body type changes | Distortion from angle | Explicitly specify body type ("athletic build," etc.) |
| Outfit changes | Outfit not specified in prompt | Always include outfit description |
| Color changes | Lighting variation | Specify intrinsic colors ("always red jacket") |