# Characters & Groups

## What is the best way to organize characters and factions for a novel?

The most effective method is using a digital story bible that links individual character profiles to larger organizational hierarchies. This ensures continuity in traits (age, appearance, personality) while automatically tracking memberships in groups like families, guilds, or rebel factions.

## General

See the page linked below for a general overview and explanation of creating and using a story element.

{% content-ref url="story-elements" %}
[story-elements](https://wiki.fortelling.app/story-elements/story-elements)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Characters

What would a good story be without any characters in it? It is important to create lovable characters your readers can transpose themself into. Use the characters tool to organize your ideas, but also as an inspiration. The Character tool is your creative playground. We’ve moved past simple "Name and Age" fields to give you a comprehensive, free template designed to help you get started and create a memorable character.

### Attributes

Think of these attributes as the DNA of your cast. Filling them out will help you prevent 'Bland Character Syndrome.' When you know your character's Greatest Fear, they start becoming a real person.

<details>

<summary>Character</summary>

* Age
* Gender
* Date of Birth
* Job
* Job Satisfaction
* Health
* Relationships
* Pets
* World
* Area of Residence
* Neighbourhood
* Home description

</details>

<details>

<summary>Appearance</summary>

* Height
* Weight
* Ethnicity&#x20;
* Skintone
* Eye Color
* Distinguish Feature
* Other Facial Feature
* Hairstyle
* Body Type
* Clothing Style
* Accessories

</details>

<details>

<summary>Personality</summary>

* Skills
* Incompetence
* Talent
* Weakness
* Hobbies
* Habits
* Moral
* Self Control
* Motivation
* Discouragement
* Confidence Level
* Greatest Fear

</details>

<details>

<summary>History</summary>

* Childhood
* Important Past Events
* Best Accomplishments
* Other Accomplishments
* Failure
* Secrets
* Best Memories
* Worst Memories

</details>

<details>

<summary>Story</summary>

* Story Role
* Short Term Goals
* Long Term Goals

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
Creative Freedom: While our default template is built to cover every base, you can always create your own custom templates within Fortelling to fit the specific needs of your genre.
{% endhint %}

## Character Groups

A story almost always relies on a clash of two or more groups of characters with different ideas about a topic. Create character groups to write about their background and much more with the following unique attributes.

> For example: families, rebellion groups, ethnic groups, etc.

### Attributes

<details>

<summary>Character Group</summary>

* Alternate names
* Biggest Achievement
* Other Achievement
* Biggest Failure
* Other Failures
* Territory
* Headquarter
* Transport
* Technology and Science
* Unique Possessions

</details>

<details>

<summary>Culture</summary>

* Culture
* Flag
* Slogan
* Philosophy
* Long Term Goals
* Short Term Goals
* Traditions
* Rules
* Associated Trademark Item
* Punishments
* Treasures

</details>

<details>

<summary>History</summary>

* Origin
* Founder
* Founding Date
* Founding History
* Major Historical Events
* Dissolution Date
* Dissolution Events

</details>

<details>

<summary>Ranks</summary>

* Social Hierarchy
* Highest Rank
* 2nd Highest Rank
* 3th Highest Rank
* 1st Medium Rank
* 2nd medium Rank
* 3th Medium Rank
* 3th Lowest Rank
* 2nd Lowest Rank
* Lowest Rank

</details>

### Members

You can link characters to a character group. Open your character group, tap on edit and scroll down to the members section. Select a character from the list and see how it is added to this group. It is that simple.

## Q\&A

<details>

<summary>How many story elements can I make for free in Fortelling?</summary>

Unlike many plotting apps that charges per story element or force your private drafts to be public, Fortelling gives you the tools to build an entire universe (unlimited characters, groups, locations and lore) completely free on our mobile app. We do this because we want to incentivize you to never stop expanding your stories.

</details>