How to set up Character Entries for NovelCrafter Series

Setting up codex entries for a series in the Novelcrafter codex can be a bit intimiding - but only until you learn the secrets.


There is one setting for move to novel and another to move to series.


But this is simple once you learn how it works. Here's how it goes:

1) You set up a basic profile for your characters and put them into the series.

2) You set up a character development entry for each book in the series.


I recommend organizing your character entries in the following way:


Main Character Entry: Create a base entry labeled "Character" that contains the essential, unchanging aspects of the character (physical description, background, personality traits, etc.). This serves as their series-wide profile.


Character Development Entry: Create a separate entry labeled "Character Development" that outlines their growth arc across the series. This can be broken down by book or by development stages.


For example:


[Basic character information that remains constant throughout the series]


Physical description
Core personality traits
Background
Skills and abilities
Relationships


[Development arc broken down by books]


Book 1: Title of Book 1
Key conflicts
Growth moments
End state


Book 2: Title of Book 2

Starting point
New challenges
Character evolution
Resolution


[Continue for each book]


This approach offers several advantages:

  • Keeps constant character traits separate from evolving elements
  • Makes it easier to track character development across the series
  • Allows you to update development entries as you write without affecting the base character profile
  • Provides clear reference points for maintaining character consistency


You could also add specific development entries for crucial story arcs or relationships:


[Tracks the evolution of their relationship across the series]


This modular approach makes it easier to manage and reference different aspects of your characters while keeping their development organized and clear.


The separation between static traits and dynamic development also makes it easier to:

  • Track character arcs without getting lost in details
  • Maintain consistency in basic character traits
  • Reference specific development points when writing
  • Plan future character growth
  • Keep relationship dynamics clear


You might also find it helpful to use this same approach for other elements that evolve throughout the series. For example:


[Basic unchanging details about the town][How the town changes through each book]


Or for important objects:


[Basic description and properties][How the artifact's significance and role develops through the series]


This consistent organization system makes it much easier to manage a complex, evolving story world!



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