Character bible template for a recurring cast

Record the traits that affect decisions

Begin with what the character wants, what they fear and how they usually respond under pressure. A contradiction can make the profile useful: a cautious person who protects others may break a rule when someone needs help. These notes guide action rather than simply describing personality.

Add visual and voice anchors that a reviewer can recognise. Prioritise silhouette, signature props, pronunciation and delivery patterns. Keep scene-specific emotions outside the permanent profile so a temporary reaction does not become an accidental rule for every performance.

Copy the reusable character record

Give the character a stable identifier and link accepted references wherever you store them. Describe what each reference establishes. A close portrait may define facial features while a full-body image establishes proportions; they should agree on the same character.

Use the continuity section for knowledge, relationships and object states that change. Include the episode or scene where the change becomes true.

CHARACTER ID / NAME:
PROFILE VERSION / APPROVED BY:
ROLE IN THE STORY:
IMMEDIATE WANT / LONGER-TERM WANT:
FEAR / CONTRADICTION:
TYPICAL DECISION UNDER PRESSURE:
VISUAL ANCHORS (silhouette, face, costume, props):
ACCEPTED REFERENCES / WHAT EACH DEFINES:
VOICE RHYTHM / VOCABULARY / RANGE:
PRONUNCIATION NOTES:
RELATIONSHIPS / POINTS OF FRICTION:
BEHAVIOURS TO AVOID AND WHY:
CONTINUITY CHANGES (episode, event, lasting effect):
OPEN QUESTIONS / NEXT TEST:

Worked illustration: Mara the lighthouse keeper

Mara is a fictional character used to show how the fields connect. Her coat and notebook provide visual anchors, while her relationship to rules gives the writer a repeatable decision pattern. The profile leaves room for development instead of prescribing an identical response to every problem.

The continuity entry changes a relationship after a specific event. Future scenes should reflect that change while keeping the underlying personality recognisable.

Update the bible after approved changes

After an episode, add only the changes that matter later. Separate an approved design update from an isolated production inconsistency. If a shot shows the wrong notebook colour, correct the shot or flag the exception; do not silently redefine the character to match every output.

When a reviewer disagrees about behaviour, compare the choice with the character’s goal, knowledge and relationship at that point. Update an unclear rule with an example of the intended decision. Preserve superseded references in a clearly labelled history so old material does not compete with the current version.

Questions & answers