> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.fortelling.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.fortelling.app/story-elements/characters.md).

# Characters

The central database for building detailed character profiles and managing the complex social structures of your story.

{% hint style="info" %}
Fortelling includes a Free default character template filled with questions for your characters.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1916472331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFR1c40OqcLTLBKjzbDgF%2Fuploads%2FNOvkxPTERA5ggru98yVk%2FCharacters.png?alt=media&amp;token=7f50085e-ffe8-412a-acfe-849a5779239d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Create a memorable character for your novel.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Name your character

Your main character's name reflects who your character is or will be. You can give them names with hidden meanings either known or special to you. Don't name your character the protagonist unless you are Christopher Nolan.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose your character template

<figure><img src="https://1916472331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFR1c40OqcLTLBKjzbDgF%2Fuploads%2F2UDk5U8BIpllyCjpN51v%2FCharacter%20template.png?alt=media&amp;token=f5a58ca8-95ef-4ee7-b0f4-18854eacd3b6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can start by selecting the free default character template, which includes questions about general information, appearance, personality, history, and story.

#### **Fill in the 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>Example of a character Atributes</summary>

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

</details>

> You can also create your own character templates with your own attributes (e.g for mains, villians, warrior, ect) with Fortelling Pro!
> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect it with other story elements

<figure><img src="https://1916472331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFR1c40OqcLTLBKjzbDgF%2Fuploads%2FskMSnUHfhU0n6Xt9VNBn%2FLink%20characters.png?alt=media&amp;token=4fbe9d0f-7a50-4ba8-bf30-fb82cb3c7a0e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Where or with what can I link my character?

* [x] Timeline events
* [x] Outline scenes
* [x] Groups
* [x] Locations
* [x] Items
* [x] Boards (Pinboard, Family tree)
* [x] Custom tools
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Creative Freedom: While our default template covers every base, you can always create custom templates in Fortelling to fit your genre's specific needs.
{% endhint %}

## One piece of your story

Characters form one part of the story elements inside Fortelling. This will help you link them to other characters, locations, or timelines. As a result, you stay organized and have everything at hand.&#x20;

{% content-ref url="/pages/qqNdZS4V7Am1RKlegLsL" %}
[Story Elements](/story-elements/story-elements.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Ready to create your character?

What would a good story be without any characters in it? Create lovable characters your readers can transpose themselves into. Use the Characters tool to organize your ideas and as 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.

<a href="https://web.fortelling.app" class="button primary" data-icon="person-rays">Create character</a>

## 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>