---
name: create-character
description: Create a StoryBook character, optionally with a photo reference portrait, and attach it to a story.
---

# Create a character

Characters are optional for comics. Always ask first.

## Options to offer

1. Create a new character for this story.
2. Reuse one from `list_characters`.
3. Skip characters.

## Create

```
create_character
  firstName (required)
  lastName, nickname, age, gender, appearanceNotes, artStyle (optional)
  generatePortrait: true when they want an image now
  referenceImageBase64 + referenceImageMime (optional photo reference)
```

If portrait generation fails, tell them the error and offer `generate_character_portrait` to retry.

## Attach to a story

```
apply_character_to_story
  story_id, character_id
```

Then continue with `create_digital_comic` or `generate_comic_page`.