# Advanced characters
Livre Arbitre characters go far beyond simple descriptive sheets. This guide explores the advanced features that allow you to create dynamic characters, progressively revealed and integrated into every facet of your story.
# Progressive character revelation
Thanks to the characterUnlockKey system, you can control which character information is visible to the reader at each stage of the story. Each character detail can be locked and unlocked only when the reader reaches a specific step.
Create the character details
Add all details (profession, secret, motivation...) to the character sheet.
Define an unlock key
For each detail you want to reveal progressively, associate an unlock key (characterUnlockKey).
Link the unlock to a step
In the step editor, configure the character unlock so the reader discovers the detail upon reaching this step.
Create mystery
Reveal a character's true name after a plot twist, or unveil their darkest secret only if the reader makes the right choices. Progressive revelation is a powerful narrative tool.
# Key-value character details
Character details work as extensible key-value pairs. You are not limited to predefined fields: you can add as many custom attributes as needed to enrich your character's sheet.
| Key | Value | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Profession | Archaeologist | Basic information |
| Distinguishing feature | Scar on the left cheek | Visual detail |
| Phobia | Claustrophobia | Character trait revealed progressively |
| Secret alliance | Member of the Brotherhood | Secret unlocked by a specific choice |
| Hidden power | Telekinesis | Ability revealed late in the story |
# Characters in events
Characters serve as senders for events of the email and chat message type. When you create an event, you can select a character as the message source, which automatically displays their name and avatar in the notification received by the reader.
- Emails — The character appears as sender with their name and avatar
- Chat messages — The character is the interlocutor in the simulated conversation
- Narrative consistency — The tone and style of the message should match the character's personality
# Characters in NPC dialogues
The NPC dialogue system leverages character sheets to power AI conversations. The background, personality and traits you have defined are used to generate responses consistent with the character.
AI and personality
The more detailed your character sheet is (background, personality traits, speech patterns), the more faithful the AI dialogues will be to the personality you imagined.
# Characters in explorations
During AI explorations, reader interactions can trigger the unlocking of character details. For example, by searching a desk, the reader could discover a document revealing a character's secret past.
# Character images and avatars
Each character can have an avatar that visually represents them. This image is used in character sheets viewed by the reader, in events (emails, messages) and in NPC dialogues.
- Recommended format — Square image in PNG or JPG for optimal display
- Recommended size — At least 200x200 pixels for a sharp rendering
- Consistent style — Use a uniform graphic style for all your characters
# Best practices for character arcs
- Plan revelations — Decide from the start which details will be revealed and when
- Use step labels — Tag steps related to a character arc for easy retrieval
- Test alternative paths — Verify that the character remains consistent even if the reader does not follow the main path
- Vary revelation methods — Combine unlocking via steps, explorations and events for a rich experience
- Document relationships — Use custom fields to note the connections between characters