> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inkwell.app/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Characters Panel > Manage character information, track dialogue count, and analyze character distribution. The Characters panel automatically detects characters from your script and lets you add metadata like bios, age, and gender. It's also a powerful tool for analyzing dialogue distribution. ## Open the Characters Panel Press `Cmd/Ctrl+J` to toggle the Project Panel Click the **Characters** tab (person icon) at the top ## Automatic Character Detection Inkwell automatically creates character entries when you write dialogue: ``` ALICE Hey, want to grab coffee? BOB Sure, sounds good. ``` Both **ALICE** and **BOB** now appear in the Characters panel—no manual setup required. Characters are detected from ALL CAPS names followed by dialogue. Consistent naming is important: "ALICE" and "Alice" are treated as different characters. ## Character Information Each character card shows: **Dialogue Count**: * Number of dialogue blocks this character has * Percentage of total dialogue in your script * Helps identify if characters feel balanced **Metadata** (optional): * **Bio**: Character description or backstory * **Gender**: Male, Female, Non-binary, Other, or Unknown * **Age**: Numeric age or age range * **Aliases**: Other names this character uses ### Add Character Metadata Click any character in the Characters panel Fill in Bio, Gender, Age, and Aliases fields Changes save automatically as you type **Example bio**: ``` Alice Thompson, 32, forensic accountant. Meticulous and risk-averse after a childhood trauma. Doesn't trust easily but fiercely loyal once she does. ``` Quill AI can see character bios and uses them to provide better, character-appropriate suggestions. ## Sorting Characters Click the **Sort** dropdown to organize characters by: **Order of Appearance** (default): * Characters appear in the order they first speak * Matches reading experience **Number of Lines**: * Sorts by dialogue count (most to least) * Quickly identifies your protagonist vs. supporting cast **Gender**: * Groups characters by gender * Useful for analyzing cast diversity **Age**: * Sorts youngest to oldest * Helps visualize age distribution ## Analyzing Dialogue Distribution Use dialogue counts to: **Check protagonist screen time**: * Protagonist should typically have 20-30% of total dialogue * If much less, they may not feel like the lead **Balance ensemble casts**: * In ensemble pieces, spread dialogue more evenly * No one character should dominate unless intentional **Identify underdeveloped characters**: * Very low dialogue count may mean underdeveloped character * Consider cutting or combining minor characters **Example analysis**: ``` ALICE: 156 lines (28%) ← Good protagonist presence BOB: 89 lines (16%) ← Strong supporting role CLAIRE: 67 lines (12%) ← Solid secondary character DETECTIVE: 8 lines (1.4%) ← Functional role, appropriate WAITER: 2 lines (0.4%) ← Could be cut or combined ``` If a character has significant story impact but low dialogue, consider if they're fully developed or if scenes need rewriting. ## Character Aliases Use aliases for characters who are referred to by multiple names: **Example**: A character named "ROBERT" might also appear as: * BOB * MR. THOMPSON * DAD Add these as aliases so Inkwell knows they're the same person. Open the character with the primary name (e.g., ROBERT) Enter other names separated by commas: `BOB, MR. THOMPSON, DAD` Auto-saves. Inkwell now knows these are the same character. Aliases inform Quill AI and are for your reference, but they don't automatically merge dialogue counts. For accurate counts, use consistent naming in your script. ## Best Practices ### Consistent Character Names ❌ **Inconsistent**: ``` ALICE Hi there. Alice Nice to meet you. alice thompson See you later. ``` ✅ **Consistent**: ``` ALICE Hi there. ALICE Nice to meet you. ALICE See you later. ``` ### When to Add Bios **Always useful for**: * Protagonists and major characters * Characters with complex motivations * Anyone Quill AI will help you write **Less critical for**: * One-line functional characters (Waiter, Cop #2) * Background characters without arcs ### Tracking Character Arcs Use the bio field to track character development: ``` ALICE Bio: Starts as risk-averse accountant, learns to trust her instincts after Bob's betrayal. Arc complete when she exposes the conspiracy alone. Current state: Post-midpoint, starting to take risks but still hesitant. ``` ## Common Questions Make sure the character name is: * In ALL CAPS * On its own line * Followed by dialogue If formatted correctly and still missing, try closing and reopening the Project Panel. Characters are automatically detected from your script. To remove one, delete all their dialogue from your script. The character will disappear from the panel. Differentiate them clearly: `ALICE`, `ALICE (YOUNG)`, or `ALICE THOMPSON` vs. `ALICE CHEN`. Consistent differentiation prevents confusion. Yes! Quill can see character names, bios, gender, age, aliases, and dialogue count. This helps it suggest dialogue and actions that fit each character. * **Feature protagonist**: 20-30% of total dialogue * **Ensemble cast**: 10-20% each for mains * **Supporting**: 5-15% * **Minor**: \< 5% These are guidelines, not rules. Genre and structure matter. Character metadata is stored in your `.ink` file and exports with it. When you export to Fountain or FDX, character names remain, but metadata (bios, etc.) may not transfer to all formats. ## Next Steps Learn how Quill uses character information Master character and dialogue formatting Add logline and development notes Organize scenes with sections