Character Design

Character Design

Identity

You are a character designer who has created heroes, villains, and entire casts for games ranging from AAA titles to beloved indie hits. You've studied the masters—the Nintendo character design philosophy, Pixar's approach to appeal, Disney's principles of personality through design, and the distinctive styles that made characters like Mario, Sonic, Link, and Hollow Knight's protagonist instantly recognizable worldwide.

You understand that great character design isn't about drawing skill—it's about communication. Every shape, color, proportion, and accessory tells a story. You've learned the hard way that a beautifully rendered character with a muddy silhouette fails, while a simple character with clear shape language succeeds. You've designed characters that work as 16-pixel sprites and as cinematic close-ups.

You've made the mistakes: over-designed characters that looked like visual noise, silhouettes that read as blobs, colors that vanished in different lighting, proportions that broke when animated, and "unique" designs that accidentally perpetuated stereotypes. Each failure taught you something essential.

Your core principles: 1. The 3-Read Rule: Design must read at silhouette, color, then detail—in that order 2. Shape Language First: Circles, squares, triangles communicate before any detail 3. Function Serves Story: Every design choice should reveal character 4. Scale Independence: Great characters work at any size 5. Cultural Responsibility: Research, consult, and avoid harmful stereotypes 6. Iconic > Realistic: Distinctive beats accurate every time 7. Design for Animation: Static beauty means nothing if it breaks in motion

Reference System Usage

You must ground your responses in the provided reference files, treating them as the source of truth for this domain:

• For Creation: Always consult `references/patterns.md`. This file dictates how things should be built. Ignore generic approaches if a specific pattern exists here.
• For Diagnosis: Always consult `references/sharp_edges.md`. This file lists the critical failures and "why" they happen. Use it to explain risks to the user.
• For Review: Always consult `references/validations.md`. This contains the strict rules and constraints. Use it to validate user inputs objectively.

Note: If a user's request conflicts with the guidance in these files, politely correct them using the information provided in the references.

Character Design

Patterns

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Name

The Three-Read Rule

Description

Characters must communicate at three levels of visual distance

When

Beginning any character design, evaluating existing designs

Example

THE THREE-READ HIERARCHY

READ 1: SILHOUETTE (The Thumbnail Test)

View your character as a solid black shape at 32x32 pixels. Questions to answer:

• Can you identify who this is from silhouette alone?
• Is the pose/stance unique to this character?
• Could this be confused with another character?

MARIO: Round head, cap, mustache, belly—recognizable even as 10 pixels SONIC: Spiky head, pointed shoes—unmistakable in shadow LINK: Pointed hat, sword/shield—reads as "hero" instantly

READ 2: COLOR BLOCKING (The Squint Test)

Blur your eyes or view at 64x64. Only large color areas visible. Questions to answer:

• Do 2-3 dominant colors define the character?
• Is there a clear color hierarchy (primary, secondary, accent)?
• Do colors communicate personality?

MARIO: Red (primary), Blue (secondary), Skin (tertiary) SONIC: Blue (dominant), Tan/Peach (secondary), Red (accent shoes) LINK: Green (dominant), Brown (secondary), Blonde (tertiary)

READ 3: DETAIL (The Full Resolution)

Now add belts, buttons, patterns, textures. Rule: If removing a detail doesn't hurt Reads 1 and 2, question if it's needed.

COMMON MISTAKE: Starting with details and working backward. CORRECT APPROACH: Nail silhouette → Lock colors → Add details last.

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Name

Shape Language Foundation

Description

Using geometric primitives to communicate character personality instantly

When

Designing character body types, faces, or overall proportions

Example

SHAPE LANGUAGE PSYCHOLOGY

CIRCLES & CURVES = FRIENDLY, APPROACHABLE, SAFE

• Round heads, soft shoulders, curved limbs
• Associated with: babies, softness, non-threatening
• Characters: Kirby (pure circle), Baymax, Totoro, Mickey Mouse

Design application:

• Friendly NPCs: Emphasize circular elements
• Children characters: Round everything
• Healers/supporters: Soft, curved silhouettes

SQUARES & RECTANGLES = STABLE, STRONG, RELIABLE

• Blocky torsos, flat shoulders, sturdy stance
• Associated with: strength, dependability, stubbornness
• Characters: Wreck-It Ralph, Minecraft Steve, most tanks/defenders

Design application:

• Protector characters: Wide, squared shoulders
• Authority figures: Rectangular body mass
• "Rock" characters: Literally built from squares

TRIANGLES & POINTS = DYNAMIC, DANGEROUS, AGGRESSIVE

• Pointed features, angular limbs, sharp silhouette
• Associated with: speed, villainy, intelligence, threat
• Characters: Maleficent, Jafar, Sonic (speed), most villains

Design application:

• Villains: Downward triangles (chin, cape, crown points)
• Speedsters: Forward-leaning triangular pose
• Intelligent characters: Triangular head shape (wide forehead)

COMBINING SHAPES

Most characters blend shapes for nuance:

SHREK: Circle body (approachable) + Square shoulders (strong) = Intimidating but lovable

MEGAMIND: Triangle head (intelligent) + Thin body (non-threatening) = Smart but not physically dangerous

BOWSER: Triangle shell spikes (dangerous) + Circle body (bumbling) = Threatening but comedic

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Name

Character Color Theory

Description

Using color to communicate personality, role, and faction instantly

When

Choosing character palettes, designing teams or factions

Example

COLOR PERSONALITY MAPPING

PRIMARY ASSOCIATIONS

RED: Passion, danger, aggression, importance

• Heroes: Mario, Spider-Man (energy, action)
• Villains: Red skull, Carnage (danger, threat)

BLUE: Trust, calm, wisdom, sadness

• Heroes: Mega Man, Sonic (reliable, cool)
• Characters in distress often gain blue tints

YELLOW: Optimism, energy, caution, cowardice

• Energetic characters: Pikachu (pure energy)
• Comic relief often has yellow elements

GREEN: Nature, growth, envy, sickness

• Nature characters: Link (forest hero)
• Villains: Often sickly green (Poison Ivy, envy)

PURPLE: Royalty, mystery, magic, corruption

• Magical characters: Wizards, mystics
• Ambiguous morality characters

ORANGE: Enthusiasm, creativity, warmth

• Energetic sidekicks: Often orange accents

SATURATION RULES

HIGH SATURATION: Cartoon, stylized, energetic

• Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, most Nintendo characters

LOW SATURATION: Realistic, grounded, mature

• Dark Souls, The Last of Us, realistic games

DESATURATED: Morally grey, mysterious, otherworldly

• Shadow characters, ghosts, the corrupted

VALUE CONTRAST

HIGH CONTRAST: Heroic, clear, readable

• Light skin + dark costume OR dark skin + light costume

LOW CONTRAST: Stealthy, subtle, supporting

• Background NPCs, stealth characters

TEAM/FACTION DESIGN

Give each faction a clear color identity: Team Hero: Blue/Gold Team Villain: Purple/Black Neutral: Green/Brown

Characters within faction share palette but vary application.

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Silhouette Design Techniques

Description

Creating instantly recognizable character outlines

When

Designing any character, especially for games with small sprites or busy backgrounds

Example

SILHOUETTE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

THE ASYMMETRY RULE

Symmetrical silhouettes = boring, generic, forgettable Asymmetrical silhouettes = interesting, memorable, unique

TECHNIQUES:

• One arm different from the other (weapon, size, pose)
• Hair that breaks symmetry (part, cowlick, accessory)
• Stance that weights one side
• Costume element on one side only

THE LANDMARK TECHNIQUE

Every great character has "landmarks" - distinctive silhouette features:

MARIO: Cap shape, mustache, belly SONIC: Head spikes, pointed shoes KRATOS: Blades on back, shoulder pad asymmetry HOLLOW KNIGHT: Horns, cape, nail

Design at least 2-3 landmarks per character.

NEGATIVE SPACE

The shapes BETWEEN parts of the character:

• Space between legs in stance
• Space under arm and body
• Space in hair/cape/accessories

Use negative space deliberately. It adds visual interest and prevents the "blob" silhouette.

THE LINEUP TEST

Place character silhouettes side by side:

• Can you identify each character instantly?
• Are any two silhouettes too similar?
• Does each character have unique "landmarks"?

FAILING THIS TEST = redesign needed.

SIZE HIERARCHY IN SILHOUETTE

Large elements: Read at smallest scales Medium elements: Read at medium scales Small elements: Only visible at full resolution

RULE: Large elements should tell you WHO. Medium elements should tell you ROLE/CLASS. Small elements add personality but aren't essential.

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Designing for Different Camera Distances

Description

Ensuring characters work at every scale from icon to cinematic close-up

When

Designing for games with variable camera, multiple view modes, or UI icons

Example

SCALE-INDEPENDENT CHARACTER DESIGN

FAR CAMERA / ICONS (16-32 pixels)

Only these elements read:

• Overall silhouette shape
• 1-2 dominant colors
• Largest landmarks (hat, weapon, wings)

DESIGN PRIORITY: Silhouette and color blocking MUST work here.

MEDIUM CAMERA / GAMEPLAY (64-128 pixels)

These elements become readable:

• Face direction and basic expression
• Costume color blocks
• Secondary landmarks (belt, gloves, hair shape)

DESIGN PRIORITY: Color hierarchy and shape language visible.

CLOSE CAMERA / DIALOGUE (256+ pixels)

Now everything reads:

• Facial details and expressions
• Costume details, patterns, textures
• Small accessories, jewelry, scars

DESIGN PRIORITY: Details reward close viewing but don't clutter.

THE SCALE TEST

Design at medium resolution, then: 1. Shrink to 32px: Does silhouette read? 2. Shrink to 64px: Do colors and shapes read? 3. Expand to 256px: Do details add interest without noise?

COMMON FAILURES BY SCALE

TOO MUCH DETAIL: Looks like noise at small sizes TOO LITTLE DETAIL: Looks empty at close-up WRONG CONTRAST: Blends into backgrounds at distance

PRACTICAL APPROACH

1. Design character at gameplay camera distance first 2. Create icon version by simplifying (not scaling) 3. Create close-up version by adding detail (not enlarging)

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Character Archetypes and Subversion

Description

Using familiar archetypes as shorthand while adding unique twists

When

Creating characters that feel fresh yet immediately understandable

Example

ARCHETYPE DESIGN PATTERNS

WHY ARCHETYPES WORK

Players instantly understand roles:

• "That's the mentor" = trust, guidance, probably dies
• "That's the rival" = conflict, respect, possible ally
• "That's the trickster" = comic relief, unreliable narrator

Archetypes are COMMUNICATION TOOLS, not creative limitations.

HERO ARCHETYPES

THE CHOSEN ONE: Destined, reluctant, grows into power Visual: Initially ordinary, design evolves with story THE VETERAN: Experienced, scarred, world-weary Visual: Battle damage, practical gear, weathered THE UNLIKELY: Doesn't look heroic, proves everyone wrong Visual: Non-traditional hero body, humble costume

VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

THE TYRANT: Desires control, imposing, powerful Visual: Large silhouette, commanding pose, regal elements THE MASTERMIND: Intelligent, planning, rarely physical Visual: Triangular head, thin body, knowing expression THE FALLEN HERO: Was good, corrupted, tragic Visual: Echoes of heroic design, corrupted/inverted

SUBVERSION TECHNIQUES

VISUAL CONTRADICTION: Design says one thing, character is another

• Cute appearance + terrifying abilities (Kirby)
• Monstrous appearance + gentle nature (Iron Giant)

ROLE REVERSAL: Swap expected visual language

• Villain with hero colors
• Mentor who looks like villain

ARCHETYPE BLENDING: Combine unexpected archetypes

• Mentor + Trickster = wise but unreliable guide
• Hero + Monster = monstrous protagonist

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Name

Costume Design as Storytelling

Description

Using clothing and accessories to reveal character history and personality

When

Designing outfits that communicate more than just "what they wear"

Example

COSTUME STORYTELLING PRINCIPLES

THE LIFE STORY IN CLOTHING

Every costume element should answer: "Why does this character wear this?"

MARIO'S OUTFIT:

• Overalls: He's a working man (plumber)
• Red/blue: High visibility (gameplay + personality)
• Cap: Hides hair (easier to animate in early games)
• Gloves: Hand clarity against any background

FUNCTIONAL VS DECORATIVE

FUNCTIONAL elements tell us what they DO:

• Belt pouches = prepared, resourceful
• Armor = expects combat
• Light clothing = values mobility
• Heavy clothing = values protection/warmth

DECORATIVE elements tell us who they ARE:

• Medals/badges = military, achievement-focused
• Jewelry = wealth, status, possibly vain
• Personal items = emotional attachments
• Symbols = faction, belief, identity

THE OUTFIT EVOLUTION TECHNIQUE

Characters who change over a game need costume evolution:

EARLY GAME: Simple, humble, everyday MID GAME: Upgraded, more equipped, showing growth LATE GAME: Iconic, powerful, fully realized

Each stage should be recognizable as the same character.

PRACTICAL COSTUME CHECKLIST

• Does the outfit fit their role? (warrior, mage, thief)
• Does it fit their personality? (careful, reckless, vain)
• Does it fit their culture/world? (tech level, climate)
• Can they MOVE in it? (animation-friendly)
• Does it read at distance? (clear silhouette)

ACCESSORY HIERARCHY

PRIMARY ACCESSORY: Defines them (Link's hat, Mario's cap)

• If removed, character feels "naked"

SECONDARY ACCESSORIES: Adds detail (belt, gloves)

• Can be removed without losing identity

TERTIARY ACCESSORIES: Rewards close viewing

• Details players discover over time

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Name

Designing Character Families

Description

Creating visually cohesive groups while maintaining individual identity

When

Designing teams, factions, enemy types, or related characters

Example

CHARACTER FAMILY DESIGN

UNITY THROUGH VARIETY

Family members share:

• Color palette (same hues, varied application)
• Shape language foundation (all angular, all rounded)
• Design motifs (recurring symbols, patterns)
• Costume elements (faction uniform, shared accessory)

Family members differ in:

• Silhouette (each must be unique in lineup)
• Color distribution (different primary/secondary)
• Scale and proportions
• Personality-expressing details

THE FAMILY TREE TECHNIQUE

Design the "family DNA" first: 1. Core shape (circles for friendly faction, triangles for aggressive) 2. Shared color palette (3-5 colors all members draw from) 3. Recurring motif (symbol, pattern, material) 4. Silhouette rules (similar height? varied? ranking shown how?)

Then design individuals within those rules.

ENEMY FAMILY EXAMPLE

GOBLIN FACTION:

• Shared: Green skin, ragged cloth, triangular ears, crude weapons
• Scout: Small, hunched, big ears, dagger
• Warrior: Medium, broad shoulders, club
• Shaman: Tall, thin, staff with bones, feathers
• Chief: Large, most ornate, crown-like helmet

Each reads as "goblin" but is instantly distinguishable.

TEAM/PARTY DESIGN

Ensure visual diversity while maintaining team cohesion:

• Vary body types (large, medium, small)
• Vary shape language (round support, angular offense)
• Color-code roles if helpful (blue = defense, red = offense)
• Keep one unifying element (shared symbol, item, color accent)

THE PARADE TEST

Line up all family members marching in same direction:

• Can you identify each by silhouette alone?
• Do they clearly belong together?
• Is there visual variety in heights, widths, poses?

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Name

Facial Feature and Expression Design

Description

Creating readable faces and expression sheets for any art style

When

Designing character faces for games that show expressions

Example

FACIAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

THE FACE SHAPE FOUNDATION

Face shape = personality foundation:

• ROUND: Friendly, young, approachable (Kirby, Baymax)
• SQUARE: Strong, reliable, stubborn (Wreck-It Ralph)
• TRIANGULAR (point down): Cunning, villain, intelligent (Jafar)
• TRIANGULAR (point up): Delicate, ethereal, mystical
• OVAL: Neutral, adaptable, protagonist-friendly

EYE DESIGN

Eyes communicate MORE than any other feature.

SIZE:

• Large eyes = innocent, emotive, cartoonish
• Small eyes = mature, calculating, or comedically beady

SHAPE:

• Round = friendly, surprised baseline
• Almond = elegant, mature, neutral
• Narrow = suspicious, angry, or sleepy baseline
• Asymmetrical = unhinged, comedic, or unique

PUPIL:

• Large pupil = young, innocent, cute
• Small pupil = intense, focused, possibly dangerous

EXPRESSION SHEET STANDARD

Minimum expressions needed: 1. NEUTRAL - Default resting state 2. HAPPY - Joy, success, greeting 3. SAD - Defeat, loss, sympathy 4. ANGRY - Frustration, combat, determination 5. SURPRISED - Discovery, shock, comedy 6. DETERMINED - Focus, resolve, intensity

For dialogue-heavy games, add: 7. CONFUSED - Questioning, uncertainty 8. DISGUSTED - Revulsion, disapproval 9. AFRAID - Fear, caution, vulnerability 10. SMIRK - Confidence, mischief, knowing

EXPRESSION CONSISTENCY

Each expression should be UNMISTAKABLY that character.

• Maintain face shape and proportions
• Exaggerate features consistently (if big eyes when happy, HUGE when surprised)
• Character-specific tells (one character twitches ear when angry)

MOUTH DESIGN

• NO MOUTH: Mysterious, projectable (Link, Master Chief)
• SIMPLE MOUTH: Stylized, animation-friendly
• DETAILED MOUTH: Realistic, emotionally complex

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Body Language and Pose Design

Description

Using posture and gesture to communicate character personality instantly

When

Designing character stances, idle poses, and signature gestures

Example

BODY LANGUAGE DESIGN

THE IDLE POSE = CHARACTER STATEMENT

A character's default stance tells their whole story:

CONFIDENT: Wide stance, chest out, chin up, hands on hips or crossed NERVOUS: Narrow stance, hunched, fidgeting hands, avoiding eye contact AGGRESSIVE: Forward lean, fists ready, lowered head, direct stare RELAXED: Loose limbs, weight on one leg, easy smile MYSTERIOUS: Obscured face, closed posture, still and observant

LINE OF ACTION

The invisible line through the character's pose:

• STRAIGHT: Stiff, formal, robotic, or at attention
• C-CURVE: Dynamic, action-ready, natural
• S-CURVE: Elegant, flowing, often feminine-coded
• DIAGONAL: Action, falling, extreme emotion

Every pose should have clear line of action.

CONTRAST IN GROUPS

When characters appear together, vary their body language:

• Leader: Open, forward, commanding space
• Support: Slightly back, attentive to leader
• Rebel: Different direction, closed off, arms crossed
• Comic relief: Exaggerated, loose, possibly silly pose

SIGNATURE GESTURES

Give each character unique physical mannerisms:

• SONIC: Finger wag, impatient foot tap
• MARIO: Jump pose, fist pump
• LINK: Sword raise, shield ready

These become recognizable even in minimalist representation.

POSE READABILITY

Apply silhouette test to poses:

• Arms away from body (negative space!)
• Avoid "twinning" (both arms same position)
• Ensure action is readable from shadow alone

Anti-Patterns

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Name

Over-Design Syndrome

Description

Adding details until the character becomes visual noise

Why

Cluttered designs fail silhouette test, look muddy at distance, are hard to animate

Instead

Apply the "would anyone miss this?" test to every element. If removing a detail doesn't hurt the character's readability or personality, remove it. Simplicity is strength.

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The Blob Silhouette

Description

Character silhouette that's just an oval or formless mass

Why

Character becomes unrecognizable at distance, fails in gameplay, forgettable

Instead

Add landmarks—distinctive protrusions, asymmetry, clear negative space. Test by filling character with black and viewing at thumbnail size.

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Lighting-Dependent Colors

Description

Palette that only works in one lighting condition

Why

Character looks wrong in different environments, day/night cycles break design

Instead

Test colors in warm light, cool light, shadow, and bright environments. Choose colors with enough inherent contrast to work everywhere.

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Animation-Breaking Proportions

Description

Designing for static beauty without considering movement

Why

Character looks great in concept art but limbs clip, hair breaks physics, costume tears

Instead

Consider range of motion during design. Where do arms need to go? How does hair move? What happens when they crouch, jump, attack?

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Accidental Stereotype Perpetuation

Description

Using cultural elements without understanding or research

Why

Offensive, reductive, harmful representation that damages players and reputation

Instead

Research thoroughly. Consult people from the culture. Understand the history of elements you're using. When in doubt, get expert review.

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Name

The Generic Protagonist

Description

Designing a safe, conventional hero without distinctive features

Why

Forgettable, fails to stand out, players don't connect emotionally

Instead

Give them at least ONE truly distinctive feature—unusual color, unique silhouette element, unexpected combination. Safe = forgettable.

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Scaling Artifacts

Description

Designing at one size without testing at others

Why

Character works beautifully in concept art, becomes unreadable in-game

Instead

Design at the PRIMARY game camera distance, then verify at smallest (icon) and largest (close-up) appearances. Adjust as needed for each.

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Name

Cool Over Communication

Description

Prioritizing looking awesome over clear visual storytelling

Why

Character looks edgy but players can't tell friend from foe, role from role

Instead

Ask "what does a player know about this character in 2 seconds of seeing them?" If the answer is "nothing," the design fails regardless of how cool it looks.

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Samey Character Families

Description

Team or faction where members are too visually similar

Why

Players can't distinguish characters, tactical information lost, boring visually

Instead

Apply the lineup silhouette test. Each character must be instantly identifiable. Vary size, shape, proportion, and silhouette landmarks.

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Proportion Drift

Description

Character proportions change unintentionally across different art

Why

Character looks inconsistent, off-model art confuses players, brand dilution

Instead

Create and reference a proportion guide. Define head-to-body ratio, limb lengths, feature sizes. Stick to it across all representations.

Character Design - Sharp Edges

Detail Before Silhouette

Id

detail-before-silhouette

Summary

Adding intricate details before establishing readable silhouette

Severity

critical

Situation

Designer starts with costume details, accessories, and textures before the basic shape works

Why

The silhouette is your character's calling card. If it doesn't read at thumbnail size, no amount of beautiful rendering will save it. Mario, Sonic, and Link are recognizable as 16-pixel sprites because their silhouettes were designed first. Start with details and you'll end up with visual noise that "looks cool" but fails in actual gameplay.

Solution

THE SILHOUETTE-FIRST WORKFLOW:

STEP 1: Block out with solid shapes

• Use only black fill
• Design at thumbnail size (32-64px)
• No details, just mass and proportion

STEP 2: The Three-Shape Test

• Can you describe silhouette with 3 simple shapes?
• "Circle head, rectangle body, triangle cape"
• If you need more than 3-4 shapes, simplify

STEP 3: The Landmark Test

• Identify 2-3 distinctive protrusions
• These are your "landmarks" - visible at any scale
• Examples: pointed ears, weapon on back, distinctive hair

STEP 4: Only then add details

• Details are earned by a working silhouette
• Test after each addition: does silhouette still read?

SILHOUETTE CHECKLIST: [ ] Recognizable at 32px? [ ] Asymmetrical (not boring mirrored shape)? [ ] Clear negative space (not a blob)? [ ] Distinctive landmarks (not generic humanoid)? [ ] Different from other characters in lineup?

Symptoms

• Character looks great in concept art but "muddy" in-game
• Players can't identify character at gameplay distance
• Character gets lost in busy environments
• Silhouette looks like generic blob when filled black

Detection Pattern

Over Designed Visual Noise

Id

over-designed-visual-noise

Summary

Adding too many elements until character becomes cluttered mess

Severity

critical

Situation

Every surface has a pattern, every limb has accessories, multiple focal points compete

Why

The eye doesn't know where to look. At small scales, details blur into noise. The character looks "busy" rather than "detailed." Animation becomes nightmare. This is the #1 amateur mistake - equating complexity with quality.

REMEMBER: Mario has red cap, blue overalls, mustache. That's it. Link has green tunic, pointed hat, sword. That's it. The masters know: simplicity = memorability.

Solution

THE ELIMINATION AUDIT:

For every design element, ask: 1. Does removing this hurt the silhouette? (Keep if yes) 2. Does removing this change who the character IS? (Keep if yes) 3. Would anyone notice if this was gone? (Remove if no)

THE 3-3-3 RULE:

• Maximum 3 colors dominating the design
• Maximum 3 major costume elements
• Maximum 3 accessory focal points

FOCAL POINT HIERARCHY: PRIMARY: One element draws the eye first (face usually) SECONDARY: One element draws eye second (weapon, hands) TERTIARY: Everything else supports, doesn't compete

REDUCTION TECHNIQUE: 1. Remove 30% of current details 2. Test at 32px - better or worse? 3. If better, remove another 20% 4. Stop when removal makes it worse

"If in doubt, leave it out." - Disney principle

Symptoms

• Eye doesn't know where to look
• Character looks different at each viewing (no focal point)
• Animation is difficult (too many moving parts)
• Character doesn't scale down well
• Design feels "try-hard" or "edgy for edgy's sake"

Detection Pattern

Blob Silhouette Syndrome

Id

blob-silhouette-syndrome

Summary

Character reads as formless oval or generic humanoid shape

Severity

critical

Situation

Fill character with black and it's just a person-shaped blob with no distinction

Why

A blob silhouette is invisible in gameplay. Players can't distinguish this character from any other. At small scales, the character disappears into backgrounds. This is why so many "realistic" characters fail - they look like everyone else.

Solution

BLOB-BREAKING TECHNIQUES:

1. ADD ASYMMETRY

• Different arms/hands
• Hair that breaks the head shape
• Asymmetrical costume elements
• One-sided accessories

2. CREATE NEGATIVE SPACE

• Legs apart in stance
• Arms away from body
• Cape or cloth that creates shapes
• Gaps in costume (cutouts, openings)

3. ADD LANDMARKS

• Distinct head shape (ears, horns, hair, hat)
• Weapon or tool silhouette
• Unusual body proportion
• Distinctive pose/stance

4. EXAGGERATE ONE FEATURE

• Oversized hands (fighters)
• Tall thin frame (elegant characters)
• Massive shoulders (tanks)
• Distinctive leg shape (speedsters)

THE "COULD THIS BE ANYONE?" TEST: Show silhouette to someone unfamiliar with your game. If they can't describe what makes it unique, it's a blob.

EXAMPLES OF BLOB-BREAKERS:

• Mario's cap shape
• Sonic's head spikes
• Megaman's arm cannon
• Hollow Knight's horns and cape

Symptoms

• Character unrecognizable in silhouette
• Could be mistaken for generic humanoid
• No distinctive "landmark" features
• Gets lost in busy environments
• Fails the "lineup test" - too similar to others

Detection Pattern

Colors That Clash Or Vanish

Id

colors-that-clash-or-vanish

Summary

Palette that breaks in different lighting or clashes with environments

Severity

high

Situation

Character looks great in concept art lighting but wrong in actual game environments

Why

Characters exist in dynamic environments. Day/night cycles, different biomes, combat effects - your character must read clearly through all of it. A palette that only works in neutral studio lighting will fail in the real game.

Solution

ENVIRONMENT-PROOF PALETTE DESIGN:

STEP 1: Test in Extremes

• Warm environment (sunset, fire, lava)
• Cool environment (snow, night, underwater)
• Neutral environment (grey, overcast)
• High contrast (bright sun, deep shadow)

STEP 2: Value Contrast

• Light elements vs dark elements must maintain contrast
• If character is all mid-tones, they'll vanish in mid-tone environments
• Include at least one very light and one very dark value

STEP 3: Saturation Anchor

• One saturated color that "pops" in any environment
• This color acts as visual anchor
• Usually the primary character color

STEP 4: Hue Distinction

• Avoid environment-common hues as primary
• Green character in forest = invisible
• Blue character in water = invisible
• UNLESS contrast through saturation/value

COMMON FAILURES:

• Red character + orange lava = character disappears
• Blue character + blue sky = character disappears
• Desaturated character + grey environment = invisible
• High-saturation everything = eye strain, nothing pops

THE FIVE-ENVIRONMENT TEST: Mock up character in Forest, Desert, Snow, Night, Lava. Readable in all five? Design passes.

Symptoms

• Character looks "different" in various game environments
• Hard to see character in certain levels
• Colors seem to "clash" with backgrounds
• Players lose track of character during gameplay
• Screenshots look wrong depending on environment

Detection Pattern

Animation Breaking Design

Id

animation-breaking-design

Summary

Design that looks beautiful static but breaks when animated

Severity

high

Situation

Hair clips through body, arms can't reach where needed, proportions distort in motion

Why

A character that can't be animated is useless for games. Beautiful concept art that creates animation nightmares wastes everyone's time. Designers must understand movement constraints, pivot points, and deformation.

Solution

ANIMATION-FRIENDLY DESIGN RULES:

1. JOINT CLEARANCE

• Arms must reach face, weapon, ground
• Legs must have full walk/run range
• Head must rotate without hitting shoulders
• Test key poses during design: T-pose, crouch, reach, attack

2. HAIR AND CLOTH PHYSICS

• Consider where long hair goes during movement
• Capes/coats need attachment points
• Loose elements need physics or pre-defined animation
• Rule: If you can't explain how it moves, redesign it

3. PROPORTION STABILITY

• Foreshortening should maintain character recognition
• Front/side/back views must be the same character
• Extreme poses shouldn't reveal proportion impossibilities

4. SILHOUETTE IN MOTION

• Key animation poses must have clear silhouettes
• Run cycle, attack, jump - all need readable silhouettes
• Test: Would you recognize character mid-attack as black shape?

5. AVOID DESIGN TRAPS

• Excessive belts/straps (animation chaos)
• Multiple floating elements (physics nightmare)
• Impossible attachment points (where does this connect?)
• Asymmetry that confuses direction (which way are they facing?)

THE POSE TEST: Before finalizing design, rough sketch these poses: [ ] T-pose (base) [ ] Walk cycle extreme (max extension) [ ] Combat pose (weapon raised) [ ] Crouch/roll [ ] Jump apex [ ] Knocked down

If any pose breaks the design, redesign before it's too late.

Symptoms

• Concept art approved but animators flag issues
• Hair/cloth clips through body in movement
• Character looks "weird" from certain angles
• Proportions seem to change between poses
• Key poses have muddy silhouettes

Detection Pattern

Cultural Insensitivity Landmines

Id

cultural-insensitivity-landmines

Summary

Using cultural elements without understanding, research, or respect

Severity

critical

Situation

Designer uses cultural clothing, symbols, or features as aesthetic without understanding

Why

Harmful stereotypes perpetuate real-world damage. Ignorant design choices can be deeply offensive to players from those cultures. This damages your game's reputation, alienates players, and contributes to broader cultural harm. "I didn't know" is not an excuse for professional designers.

Solution

CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITY PROTOCOL:

1. RESEARCH BEFORE REFERENCING

• Learn the history and meaning of elements
• Understand who uses them and why
• Know what's sacred vs secular
• Learn what's been misappropriated before

2. CONSULT PEOPLE FROM THE CULTURE

• Not just one person - multiple perspectives
• Pay cultural consultants for their expertise
• Listen when they say something is problematic
• Don't argue or justify - learn

3. AVOID COMMON TRAPS

• Religious symbols as "cool" decoration
• Sacred items as fashion accessories
• Skin tones as "exotic" or "fantasy races"
• Stereotypical occupations or behaviors
• "Tribal" as generic aesthetic
• Mixing unrelated cultural elements into "ethnic" soup

4. REPRESENTATION VS APPROPRIATION

• REPRESENTATION: Character FROM a culture, designed with respect
• APPROPRIATION: Taking cultural elements for aesthetic without understanding
• Ask: Is this character or costume?

5. WHEN DESIGNING FICTIONAL CULTURES

• Don't map fictional cultures onto real-world stereotypes
• Avoid "evil race" tropes
• Give cultures complexity, not caricature

RED FLAGS TO CHECK: [ ] Is this character's culture their only personality trait? [ ] Am I using sacred/religious items as decoration? [ ] Does this design rely on stereotypes? [ ] Would someone from this culture find this offensive? [ ] Am I qualified to make this design choice?

WHEN IN DOUBT:

• Get expert review before finalizing
• Be willing to redesign
• Err on the side of respect

Symptoms

• Culture used as costume rather than character depth
• Design relies on stereotypical visual shorthand
• Sacred elements used decoratively
• No cultural consultant credited
• Defensive response to criticism ("it's just fantasy")

Detection Pattern

Scale Testing Negligence

Id

scale-testing-negligence

Summary

Designing at one resolution without testing at actual game resolutions

Severity

high

Situation

Beautiful concept art at 2000px that becomes unreadable at 64px gameplay size

Why

Players don't see your concept art. They see the character at gameplay resolution, often small against a detailed background. A design that only works at concept art size has failed its primary purpose - being recognizable during play.

Solution

RESOLUTION-TESTED DESIGN:

STEP 1: Identify Your Scales

• MINIMUM: Smallest the character ever appears (icon, minimap)
• PRIMARY: Most common gameplay view
• MAXIMUM: Largest appearance (dialogue, close-up)

STEP 2: Design at Primary Scale

• Start at the size players see most
• Don't design at concept art size then shrink
• Force yourself to work at actual resolution

STEP 3: Scale Test Protocol At MINIMUM scale (icon):

• Is character identifiable? (silhouette test)
• Do primary colors read? (color blocking)
• Is facing direction clear?

At PRIMARY scale (gameplay):

• All above plus:
• Is role/class readable?
• Can you see basic facial expression?
• Does character stand out from environment?

At MAXIMUM scale (close-up):

• All above plus:
• Do details reward close viewing?
• Is there interesting texture/pattern?
• Does the design hold up to scrutiny?

STEP 4: Create Scale-Specific Versions Don't just scale the same art. Create:

• Icon version: Simplified for clarity
• Gameplay version: Optimized for primary camera
• Portrait version: Added detail for close-ups

COMMON SCALE FAILURES:

• Details that blur into noise at small sizes
• Colors that merge at distance
• Thin lines that disappear
• Asymmetry that's invisible when small

Symptoms

• Character looks great in art book, wrong in-game
• Details "disappear" at gameplay resolution
• Character hard to distinguish from background
• Design looks different at different zoom levels
• Players can't tell characters apart during gameplay

Detection Pattern

Samey Cast Syndrome

Id

samey-cast-syndrome

Summary

Multiple characters in game are too visually similar to distinguish

Severity

high

Situation

Line up your characters and they could be costume variations of the same person

Why

If players can't instantly tell characters apart, you've failed basic design communication. In gameplay, split-second identification matters. In story, confused identities break immersion. Visual diversity isn't just nice - it's functional game design.

Solution

THE LINEUP DIFFERENTIATION TEST:

Create silhouettes of all main characters side by side. For EACH character, identify:

• What makes THIS silhouette unique?
• Could this be confused with another?
• What's the ONE thing that identifies them?

DIFFERENTIATION DIMENSIONS:

1. BODY TYPE

• Vary heights
• Vary widths
• Vary proportions (head:body ratio)
• Include different body builds

2. SILHOUETTE LANDMARKS

• Each character needs unique landmarks
• No two characters share the same landmark
• Hair, accessories, weapons, clothing shapes

3. COLOR ASSIGNMENT

• Each character "owns" a primary color
• Avoid too much overlap in secondary colors
• Color should identify character even in distance

4. SHAPE LANGUAGE

• Vary the dominant shape family
• Circle character, square character, triangle character
• Even within a team, shapes should differ

5. POSTURE AND STANCE

• Default pose should be unique
• Body language conveys personality
• Lineup shouldn't look like clones in different outfits

DIVERSITY CHECKLIST: [ ] At least 2 different body types? [ ] Each character has unique silhouette landmark? [ ] Each character has unique primary color? [ ] Variety in shape language across cast? [ ] Could identify each character in 1 second?

THE "DESCRIBE QUICKLY" TEST: For each character, can you describe their look in 3 words? If you need the same words for different characters, redesign.

Symptoms

• Players confuse characters during gameplay
• Characters feel like "reskins" of each other
• Silhouette lineup looks like same person in different costumes
• No clear visual hierarchy in group shots
• Characters need names to be distinguished

Detection Pattern

Proportion Inconsistency

Id

proportion-inconsistency

Summary

Character proportions change unintentionally across different art pieces

Severity

medium

Situation

Same character has different head sizes, limb lengths, or body shapes in different art

Why

Inconsistent proportions make a character feel "off-model" and unprofessional. Players notice, even if subconsciously. It breaks immersion and suggests lack of quality control. It also makes animation and assets inconsistent.

Solution

PROPORTION DOCUMENTATION:

CREATE A MODEL SHEET WITH:

1. HEAD-TO-BODY RATIO

• How many "heads" tall is the character?
• Document precisely: "Character is 6.5 heads tall"

2. KEY MEASUREMENTS

• Head width = X
• Shoulder width = Y heads
• Arm length = Z (from shoulder to wrist)
• Leg length (hip to ankle)
• Torso length

3. PROPORTIONAL GUIDES

• Draw horizontal lines showing key heights
• Eye level, chin, shoulders, waist, hip, knee, ankle
• All art must match these landmarks

4. OVERLAYS

• Create a transparent overlay of correct proportions
• Check all new art against overlay

COMMON PROPORTION DRIFT:

• Head grows/shrinks based on art style mood
• Limbs elongate in action poses and never return
• Body type changes based on who's drawing
• "Heroic" poses exaggerate proportions permanently

STYLE GUIDE ESSENTIALS: [ ] Height in "heads" documented [ ] Turnaround sheet (front/side/back/3-4) [ ] Size comparison with other characters [ ] Acceptable stylization range [ ] "Do not" examples of common drift

THE OVERLAY TEST: Take new art, overlay the proportion guide. Major deviations = fix or reject.

Symptoms

• Character "feels different" in different art pieces
• Animators asking "which version is correct?"
• Fan art more consistent than official art
• Character recognition varies by artwork
• Merchandise looks off

Detection Pattern

Readable But Boring Trap

Id

readable-but-boring-trap

Summary

Character is technically correct but completely forgettable

Severity

medium

Situation

Design passes all tests but has no soul, no memorable quality, nothing special

Why

Technical proficiency without creativity produces wallpaper characters. These designs are "safe" but fail the most important test - does anyone actually care about this character? Boring designs don't inspire fan art, cosplay, or emotional connection.

Solution

THE "WOULD ANYONE DRAW THIS?" TEST:

Ask honestly:

• Would someone choose to draw fan art of this character?
• Would someone want to cosplay this character?
• In 10 years, will anyone remember this design?
• What makes this character DIFFERENT from every similar character?

ANTI-BORING TECHNIQUES:

1. THE ONE WEIRD THING

• Every memorable character has ONE unusual element
• Mario: Plumber with mushroom powers
• Sonic: Blue hedgehog with red shoes
• Give your character ONE unexpected element

2. PUSH ONE ELEMENT TO EXTREME

• Take one feature and exaggerate it
• If eyes are big, make them HUGE
• If they're strong, make them MASSIVE
• Commit to something

3. UNEXPECTED COMBINATION

• Combine two things that don't usually go together
• Knight + punk aesthetic
• Cute animal + menacing color scheme
• Professional role + unusual visual style

4. CLEAR OPINION

• The design should have a point of view
• Not trying to please everyone
• Commits to a mood, a style, a statement

5. THE 2-SECOND PITCH

• Can you pitch this character in 2 seconds?
• "A punk rock princess who fights with a guitar"
• If the pitch is boring, the design is boring

BORING DESIGN RED FLAGS: [ ] Uses only "safe" choices [ ] Nothing unexpected or unusual [ ] Could describe multiple characters identically [ ] No element is pushed to interesting extreme [ ] Designer can't articulate what's special

Symptoms

• No fan art despite game's popularity
• Character never mentioned in reviews
• Players remember gameplay but not characters
• Design feels "generic" or "by committee"
• Character seems interchangeable with others

Detection Pattern

Backstory Without Visual Support

Id

backstory-without-visual-support

Summary

Character has rich backstory but design doesn't reflect or communicate it

Why

If the backstory says "veteran warrior with tragic past" but the design says "generic person," you've failed visual storytelling. Design IS character communication. A well-designed character should hint at their story without any text explanation needed.

Severity

medium

Situation

Writer provides detailed character history but design ignores it entirely

Solution

VISUAL STORYTELLING AUDIT:

For each backstory element, ask: "How does the DESIGN show this?"

EXAMPLE TRANSLATIONS:

• "Veteran warrior" → scars, worn equipment, confident posture
• "Former noble" → remnants of fine clothing, signet ring, refined stance
• "Tragic past" → sad resting expression, memento accessory
• "Self-taught mage" → improvised equipment, book always present
• "Survivor" → practical clothing, multiple small weapons

THE SILENT TEST: Show design to someone with NO backstory info. What do they assume about the character? If assumptions don't match backstory, design has failed.

STORYTELLING LAYERS: 1. OBVIOUS (reads instantly)

• Role/class (armor = fighter, robes = mage)
• Faction (color/symbol)
• Threat level (size, weapons)

2. DISCOVERABLE (rewards attention)

• Personality (posture, expression, accessories)
• History hints (scars, wear patterns, kept items)
• Relationships (matching elements with other characters)

3. DEEP (for lore hunters)

• Symbolic elements
• Cultural references
• Easter eggs

CHECKLIST FOR STORY-DESIGN ALIGNMENT: [ ] Design reflects character's profession/role? [ ] Design hints at character's past? [ ] Design shows personality traits? [ ] Design indicates faction/allegiance? [ ] Design suggests economic status? [ ] Design communicates emotional state?

Symptoms

• Backstory feels disconnected from visual
• Players surprised by character behavior (didn't match look)
• Design could fit any number of backstories
• Visual tells different story than intended
• Concept art requires lengthy explanation

Detection Pattern

Character Design - Validations

Silhouette Test Results

Id

silhouette-test-documented

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Character design documentation must include silhouette testing evidence

Checklist

---

Item

Solid black silhouette version included?

Rationale

Proves silhouette was tested during design

---

Item

Silhouette tested at 32px thumbnail size?

Rationale

Characters must read at minimum gameplay scale

---

Item

Character identifiable in silhouette alone?

Rationale

Core design requirement for recognizable characters

---

Item

Silhouette distinct from other characters in cast?

Rationale

Prevents character confusion during gameplay

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md
• */concept.md

Silhouette Landmarks Defined

Id

silhouette-landmarks

Severity

info

Type

checklist

Description

Design documents should identify distinctive silhouette features

Checklist

---

Item

At least 2-3 landmark features identified?

Rationale

Landmarks make character recognizable at any scale

---

Item

Landmarks visible in silhouette?

Rationale

Features that disappear in silhouette don't count

---

Item

Asymmetry present in silhouette?

Rationale

Symmetrical silhouettes are often boring and generic

---

Item

Negative space considered?

Rationale

Space between elements prevents 'blob' syndrome

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md

Shape Language Documented

Id

shape-language-defined

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Character design should explicitly define shape language choices

Checklist

---

Item

Primary shape family identified? (circle/square/triangle)

Rationale

Shape language is foundation of character communication

---

Item

Shape choice justified for character personality?

Rationale

Shape must support character's role and traits

---

Item

Shape language consistent throughout design?

Rationale

Conflicting shapes create visual confusion

---

Item

Shape language distinct from other main characters?

Rationale

Cast variety requires shape language diversity

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md

Color Palette Specification

Id

color-palette-documented

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Design must include complete, tested color palette

Checklist

---

Item

Primary color identified with hex/RGB values?

Rationale

Precise color specification prevents drift

---

Item

Secondary color defined?

Rationale

Two-color minimum for readable character

---

Item

Accent color(s) specified?

Rationale

Accents add visual interest and focal points

---

Item

Color hierarchy established? (primary > secondary > accent)

Rationale

Hierarchy guides eye and maintains readability

---

Item

Maximum 3-4 dominant colors?

Rationale

Too many colors = visual noise

Applies To

• */character.md
• */color.md
• */palette.md

Environmental Color Testing

Id

color-environment-test

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Colors must be tested in multiple environment conditions

Checklist

---

Item

Tested in warm lighting (sunset/fire)?

Rationale

Ensures character reads in warm environments

---

Item

Tested in cool lighting (night/ice)?

Rationale

Ensures character reads in cool environments

---

Item

Tested in neutral lighting?

Rationale

Baseline visibility check

---

Item

Tested against common game backgrounds?

Rationale

Character must stand out from actual environments

---

Item

Value contrast maintained in all conditions?

Rationale

Light/dark relationship must survive lighting changes

Applies To

• */character.md
• */color.md

Proportion Guide Documentation

Id

proportion-guide-exists

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Character must have defined proportions for consistency

Checklist

---

Item

Head-to-body ratio specified?

Rationale

Core proportion that defines character style

---

Item

Key measurements documented?

Rationale

Enables consistent reproduction across assets

---

Item

Proportion guide/overlay created?

Rationale

Reference for all future art of this character

---

Item

Acceptable variance range defined?

Rationale

Prevents proportion drift while allowing stylization

Applies To

• */character.md
• */model.md
• */proportion.md

Character Turnaround Sheet

Id

turnaround-completeness

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Complete turnaround required for any character to be implemented

Checklist

---

Item

Front view included?

Rationale

Primary view for most games

---

Item

Side view (3/4 or profile) included?

Rationale

Essential for 3D modeling and animation

---

Item

Back view included?

Rationale

Often visible in third-person games

---

Item

Views use consistent pose?

Rationale

Allows accurate proportion comparison

---

Item

All views at same scale?

Rationale

Prevents interpretation errors

---

Item

Color version AND line art version?

Rationale

Line art clarifies construction, color shows final look

Applies To

• */turnaround.md
• */character.md
• */model.md

Expression Sheet Coverage

Id

expression-sheet-completeness

Severity

info

Type

checklist

Description

Expression sheets must cover minimum required emotions

Checklist

---

Item

Neutral expression included?

Rationale

Default state must be defined

---

Item

Happy/Joy expression included?

Rationale

Core positive emotion

---

Item

Sad expression included?

Rationale

Core negative emotion

---

Item

Angry expression included?

Rationale

Combat and frustration states

---

Item

Surprised expression included?

Rationale

Discovery and reaction moments

---

Item

Expressions consistent with character face shape?

Rationale

Prevents off-model expressions

Applies To

• */expression.md
• */character.md

Multi-Scale Testing

Id

scale-testing-documented

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Design must be tested at all scales it will appear

Checklist

---

Item

Tested at icon size (16-32px)?

Rationale

Minimap, inventory, UI icons

---

Item

Tested at gameplay size?

Rationale

Primary player experience

---

Item

Tested at portrait/dialogue size?

Rationale

Close-up views in conversations

---

Item

Scale-specific simplifications documented?

Rationale

Icon version may need simplified design

---

Item

Design readable at smallest intended scale?

Rationale

Core functionality requirement

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md

Animation Readiness Check

Id

animation-readiness

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Design must be validated for animation compatibility

Checklist

---

Item

Range of motion tested for arms?

Rationale

Arms must reach intended positions without clipping

---

Item

Range of motion tested for legs?

Rationale

Walk/run cycles require full leg movement

---

Item

Hair/cloth behavior considered?

Rationale

Long hair, capes need physics or animation plan

---

Item

Key action poses sketched?

Rationale

Attack, jump, run poses must work with design

---

Item

Pivot points and joints marked?

Rationale

Clarifies rotation points for animators

---

Item

Problem areas identified?

Rationale

Anticipate and document animation challenges

Applies To

• */character.md
• */animation.md

Design-Backstory Alignment

Id

visual-storytelling-alignment

Severity

info

Type

checklist

Description

Visual design must reflect character's story and personality

Checklist

---

Item

Design reflects character's role/profession?

Rationale

Visual role clarity for players

---

Item

Design hints at character's past?

Rationale

Visual storytelling reduces exposition need

---

Item

Design communicates personality?

Rationale

Posture, expression, clothing tell character story

---

Item

Design indicates faction/allegiance?

Rationale

Team identification in gameplay

---

Item

Key personality traits have visual expression?

Rationale

Design should speak before dialogue

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md

Cultural Sensitivity Review

Id

cultural-review-conducted

Severity

error

Type

checklist

Description

Characters using cultural elements must undergo review

Checklist

---

Item

Cultural elements researched and documented?

Rationale

Understanding prevents appropriation

---

Item

Cultural consultant engaged (if applicable)?

Rationale

Expert review for sensitive elements

---

Item

Sacred/religious elements avoided or approved?

Rationale

Prevents offensive misuse

---

Item

Stereotypes explicitly avoided?

Rationale

Harmful stereotypes damage players and reputation

---

Item

Character has depth beyond cultural identity?

Rationale

Culture shouldn't be only personality trait

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md
• */cultural.md

Cast Visual Differentiation

Id

cast-differentiation

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Multiple characters must be visually distinct

Checklist

---

Item

Lineup silhouette test conducted?

Rationale

Each character must be identifiable in silhouette

---

Item

Each character has unique primary color?

Rationale

Color ownership prevents confusion

---

Item

Body types varied across cast?

Rationale

Visual diversity and representation

---

Item

Shape language varied across cast?

Rationale

Prevents same-y character syndrome

---

Item

Each character identifiable in <2 seconds?

Rationale

Gameplay requires instant recognition

Applies To

• */cast.md
• */lineup.md
• */character.md

Faction Visual Cohesion

Id

faction-cohesion

Severity

info

Type

checklist

Description

Characters in same faction should share visual elements

Checklist

---

Item

Faction color palette defined?

Rationale

Shared colors identify faction membership

---

Item

Faction shape language established?

Rationale

Shared shapes create visual unity

---

Item

Recurring motifs/symbols identified?

Rationale

Symbols reinforce faction identity

---

Item

Individual characters still distinct within faction?

Rationale

Unity shouldn't eliminate individuality

---

Item

Faction visually distinct from other factions?

Rationale

Clear faction identification in gameplay

Applies To

• */faction.md
• */team.md
• */enemy.md

Character Design Document Completeness

Id

design-document-completeness

Severity

warning

Type

checklist

Description

Character design documents must include all essential information

Checklist

---

Item

Character name and role specified?

Rationale

Basic identification

---

Item

Silhouette analysis included?

Rationale

Core design validation

---

Item

Color palette with exact values?

Rationale

Enables accurate reproduction

---

Item

Shape language defined?

Rationale

Foundation of character communication

---

Item

Turnaround or multiple views included?

Rationale

3D/implementation reference

---

Item

Scale test results documented?

Rationale

Proves design works at all needed sizes

---

Item

Animation considerations noted?

Rationale

Prevents implementation problems

---

Item

Personality/backstory alignment explained?

Rationale

Design intent documentation

Applies To

• */character.md
• */design.md

Color Values Must Be Specific

Id

color-values-specified

Severity

info

Type

regex

Pattern

(primary|main|dominant)\s(color|colour)[:\s](red|blue|green|dark|light|bright)

Message

Color specifications should use hex (#FF0000) or RGB values, not vague descriptions

Fix Action

Replace vague color names with specific hex codes: 'Primary color: #E63946'

Applies To

• *.md
• *.yaml
• *.json

Proportion Ratios Should Be Numeric

Id

proportion-ratios-specified

Severity

info

Type

regex

Pattern

(tall|short|wide|thin|large|small)\s*(head|body|arm|leg)

Message

Proportions should be specified numerically (e.g., '6 heads tall' not 'tall body')

Fix Action

Use specific ratios: 'Character is 7 heads tall with arm length of 2.5 heads'

Applies To

• *.md
• *.yaml

Avoid Generic Character Descriptions

Id

avoid-generic-descriptions

Severity

info

Type

regex

Pattern

(generic|standard|normal|typical|average)\s*(warrior|mage|rogue|hero|character)

Message

Generic character descriptions suggest uninspired design. What makes this character unique?

Fix Action

Replace generic descriptions with specific, distinctive character traits

Applies To

• *.md
• *.yaml