> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guide.ourdream.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a character

> Follow one organized path from the first idea to a tested character.

Character creation is easier when every stage has one job. Follow these six steps in order for your first character. Return to the reference guides only when you need help with a specific image problem.

## The six-step path

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="1. Plan the concept" icon="lightbulb" href="/characters/concept-and-brief">
    Define the character's goal, conflict, user role, and opening hook.
  </Card>

  <Card title="2. Build the appearance" icon="user" href="/characters/creation-workflow">
    Create a stable visual identity without mixing in temporary scene details.
  </Card>

  <Card title="3. Write the character" icon="pen-nib" href="/characters/story-and-personality">
    Give each user-facing and AI-facing field a clear purpose.
  </Card>

  <Card title="4. Add progression" icon="route" href="/characters/progression-and-systems">
    Optionally add phases, State Trackers, or environmental changes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="5. Create the gallery" icon="images" href="/characters/photo-shoot-and-gallery">
    Generate a cover and supporting scenes that show the character's range.
  </Card>

  <Card title="6. Test the character" icon="flask" href="/characters/test-and-release">
    Stress-test the opening, behavior, progression, and visual consistency.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What each step should produce

| Step        | You are finished when you have                                                      |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Plan        | A one-sentence Core Concept Statement                                               |
| Appearance  | A recognizable base character with lean permanent prompts                           |
| Writing     | A clear Public Description, Greeting, Scenario, personality, and supporting details |
| Progression | Either no system, or one tested system with observable triggers                     |
| Gallery     | A strong cover and up to three complementary Display Media items                    |
| Testing     | A character that handles cooperative, difficult, and passive openings consistently  |

<Tip>
  Keep the first version simple. A strong concept, greeting, and personality are
  more valuable than several untested mechanics.
</Tip>

## Reference guides

These pages support the workflow but are not extra required steps:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Image prompting reference" icon="sliders" href="/characters/image-prompting">
    Prompt structure, weights, model differences, and the one-change-at-a-time tuning loop.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Image consistency and editing" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/characters/consistent-images">
    Reusable base images, editing models, and ways to reduce visual drift.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Learn from a complete example

<Card title="Chloe Monroe: concept to test" icon="martini-glass" href="/examples/chloe-monroe">
  See every step applied to one slow-burn bartender character.
</Card>

When the character is complete and you want it listed in the community catalog, continue to [Publish a public character](/publishing/public-characters).