This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a character", "update a character", "add a character", "build a family tree", "character relationships", "character timeline", "character arc", "character profile", or needs to manage characters in a story project.

Character Management Overview Create and manage rich character profiles for a story project. Each character is a markdown file with YAML frontmatter in the characters/ directory. Characters are cross referenced with other story elements through kebab case identifiers. Prerequisites A story project must already exist (created via the story init skill). Verify by checking for story.md in the project root. Creating a Character 1. Read story.md for genre, themes, and tone context 2. Read characters/ index.md for existing characters 3. Ask for the character's name and role (protagonist, antagonist, supporting, minor) 4. Build the profile through conversation, exploring: Appearance and distinguishing features Personality, traits, and quirks Backstory and formative events Motivations (external wants vs internal needs) Voice and speech patterns (ask for example dialogue) Character arc (starting state, turning points, ending state) Key life events for the timeline 5. Write the character file using the template in references/character template.md 6. Save to characters/{name kebab}.md , or use story add character "{Name}" role "{role}" when the CLI is available 7. Update characters/ index.md registry table 8. If relationships reference existing characters, update those character files too 9. When CLI access is available, run the maintenance pass in the story root: Updating a Character 1. Read the existing character file 2. Read characters/ index.md for context on other characters 3. Make the requested changes 4. If relationships changed, update the other character's file (bidirectional) 5. Update characters/ index.md if role or status changed 6. When CLI access is available, run story reindex . , story links . , and story validate . Managing Relationships Reference references/relationship types.md for the full list of relationship types and inverse pairs. When adding a relationship: Add the relationship entry to the character's frontmatter Add the inverse relationship to the other character's frontmatter Update the Relationship Map section in characters/ index.md Family Trees Family trees are maintained in the characters/ index.md under the "Family Trees" section. Format: Indent children under parents. Note marriages/partnerships inline. Cross Referencing When a character is referenced in worldbuilding (e.g., a location's notable characters ), ensure the link exists both ways Character location backlinks live in the character file's locations frontmatter list Faction memberships live in worldbuilding/factions/{faction kebab}.md under members Artifact ownership can reference a character id in worldbuilding/artifacts/{artifact kebab}.md When a character appears in a plot arc, ensure they're listed in the arc's characters frontmatter Character tags should be consistent across the project (e.g., if magic user is used, always use that exact tag) CLI Maintenance Use the Story CLI when it is available. If story is not installed but the story maintenance skill is present, use node ../story maintenance/scripts/story.js with the same arguments, resolving the path relative to this skill folder. If no CLI is available, perform the registry and backlink checks manually. Reference Files references/character template.md Full blank template for character profiles references/relationship types.md Complete relationship type reference with inverse pairs

character-management