Character Management

Keep characters consistent across scenes by treating character files as canon.

Critical Rule: No Invented Details

Avoid inventing:

• Precise physical traits (unless established)
• Brand names / product specifics
• Vehicles (make/model), addresses, employer names
• Backstory facts, education history, relationship history
• Expertise/knowledge that hasn’t been earned on-page

If information is missing:

• Stay vague (“her car”, “a designer bag”, “a coffee shop”)
• Or add the detail to canon first (character file, setting, notes)

Canon Sources

• elements/characters/<name>.md — main/recurring character files
• elements/characters.md — optional character index (often used for minor/supporting characters)

Knowledge & Context Discipline

Before writing dialogue/action, verify:

1. Does the character know this fact?
2. Where/when did they learn it (witnessed/told/deduced/researched)?
3. What context are they operating in (what do they think is happening)?

Common failure mode: a character asks a question that assumes a context they don’t have.

Workflow

Before drafting a scene:

• Load character files for everyone in the scene.
• Note voice patterns and anti-patterns.
• Verify relationship dynamics at this point in the timeline.
• Keep dialogue consistent with the character’s baseline style.