Character Table

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Character Table

A Character Table as proposed by the Character Table Design Committee has been established with entries as follows:

  • Each uniquely identifiable character has an entry in the character table.
  • Characters who have multiple identities, such as super-heroes, super-villains, spies, etc, can have multiple records in the character table (e.g. Dick Grayson, Robin, and Nightwing can all be separate entries). Links should be created as outlined below in order to establish relationships between the identities.
  • Characters who have different features based on different periods of their lives (Archie and L’il Archie, Superman and Superboy, Conan and King Conan, Sgt Fury and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.) can also have multiple records in the table as above.
  • Multiple character records should be used for each incarnation of an identity that is passed on from one character to another (e.g. Robin, Ant-Man, Goliath, the Phantom).
  • A character has separate records per language. Links should be created as outlined below to tie re-published characters to their original variant.
  • Note: We have not established how to add characters to stories using the Character Tables.

Adding Characters

  • Navigate to your Editing page using the "Editing" link at the right of the Search bar on any page. Then click the "Add New" link on your Editing page.
  • Click on the 'Add Character' button.
Character.png
  • Enter the information about the character:
    • Name - the name most commonly associated with this character.
    • Disambiguation - short phrase that helps users distinguish this character from similarly named characters, for example the name of their alternate world or timeline.
    • Year first published -- year from date of first publication in that language.
    • Language - language of stories this character appeared in.
    • Description - concise character description, including background and character premise.
    • Notes - general notes, including background on their creation and publication history.
    • Keywords - A list of significant objects, locations, events, themes, etc. that are apply to the character.

Character Relationships

Characters can have a complex web of relationships to other characters.

  • They may have alter-egos, they may have counterparts in other dimensions/alternate histories, they may have adventures at other stages of their lives (as youths or in their later years), they may be republished in other languages, etc.
  • These relationships are established using the 'Add Relation' button on the character record page.
Adding Relation.png
  • Enter the information about the relationship.
    • Select the relationship type from the drop down list.
      • alias of (For alter-egos/secret identities. It links a "code name" to the "real" name.) - example: Clark Kent is an alias of Superman
      • alternate universe version of - example: Superboy-Prime is an alternate universe version of Superboy
      • identity also held by (For code names passed from one character to another. It means means a character has adopted another identity (a code name) that was previously (or concurrently) held by another character.) - example: Robin (Dick Grayson) and Robin (Jason Todd)
      • republished as (for reprints in other languages) - Green Lantern republished as Lanterna Verde
      • younger version of - example: Superboy is a younger version of Superman
    • Select the other character from the drop down list.
    • Add any notes that would serve to clarify the relationship.
    • NOTE: When you choose "alias of" from one character, the system will also display "secret identity of" from the other character.

Additional Names for Characters

  • Some characters may warrant several names (for example a common name vs a formal full name, or a maiden and married name).
  • An existing Character record can be edited to add the additional names.
  • Or for new Character records, the record can be submitted, then retracted to add the additional names.

Groups

  • Characters sometimes appear as part of a group, such as a club, team, or larger organization.
  • Before a character can be added to a group, the group must first be created.

Adding Groups

  • Groups are added from the "Add New" link on your Editing page.
  • Click on the 'Add Group' button.
Add Group.jpg
  • Enter the information about the group:
    • Name - the name most commonly associated with this group.
    • Disambiguation - short phrase that helps users distinguish this group from similarly named groups, for example the name of their alternate world or timeline.
    • Year first published -- year from date of first publication in that language.
    • Language - language of stories this group appeared in.
    • Description - concise group description, including background and group premise.
    • Notes - general notes, including background on their creation and publication history.
    • Keywords - A list of significant objects, locations, events, themes, etc. that are apply to the group.

Adding Characters to Groups

  • Characters can be added to groups from the Character page by clicking on the 'Add Group Membership' button.
  • Alternately characters can be added to groups from the Group page by clicking on the 'Add Group Member' button.
Group Membership.png
  • In either case, add the character to the group by
    • Making the appropriate selection from the drop down list.
    • Add membership type:
      • Associated
      • Formal
      • Uncertain
    • Year joined - publication year of story in which they joined the group.
    • Year left - publication year of story in which they left the group.
    • Notes - - general notes about the character's membership.
  • Note: A character can leave and rejoin a group, which can be represented by means of multiple membership records.

Group Relations

  • Groups may have counterparts in other dimensions/alternate histories, they may be republished in other languages, and they may be parts of larger groups.
  • These relationships are established using the 'Add Relation' button on the Group record page.
Add Group Relation.jpg
  • Select the relation type from the drop down list.
    • alternate universe version of (example: the Justice Lords are an alternate universe version of the Justice League of America)
    • previous group (example: Justice League International is a successor to Justice League of America)
    • republished as (for reprints in other languages)
    • subgroup of (example: the Legion Espionage Squad is a subgroup of the Legion of Super-Heroes)
  • Select the other group from the drop down list.
  • Add any notes that would serve to clarify the relationship.


(end of definition)


Policy Votes Affecting This Topic

https://www.comics.org/voting/ballot/412/ - 2020-07-30


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