Animation : Ask for advice by Ifaliana Randriamanalina

Hi, Ifaliana Randriamanalina. I put a short character description in the script when I introduce the character. I mention their personality. I also mention their appearance, clothes, and accessories if they're important to the story.

I put a more detailed description in the treatment and pitch deck. Their strengths, flaws, backstory, etc.

Great question, Ifaliana Randriamanalina, and one that comes up a lot, especially in animation where character clarity is everything.

In most cases, a brief character description is included in the script, usually the first time a character is introduced. This is typically just a sentence or two that gives the reader a sense of their age, personality, and visual vibe—especially important in animation where the design team will be using that as a creative springboard.

However, for animated projects, it’s also very common (and helpful!) to create a separate character breakdown document for pitching or development purposes. That document can include:

• Name, age, and role in the story

• Personality traits (quirks, fears, strengths, goals)

• Voice reference or tone (especially helpful for casting or voice direction)

• Visual style notes or design inspirations

• Character arc or how they grow through the story

• Relationships to other characters

If you’re looking to develop this into a pitch or bible, I’d also recommend checking out Stage 32’s Animation Education resources (https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/animation).

And definitely keep asking questions like this, you’re not alone, and it’s how great projects get even stronger.

Thank you so much

You're welcome, Ifaliana Randriamanalina.

Ifaliana Randriamanalina It’s actually both—especially if you’re writing a TV series. In the script itself, you include a brief description of each character when they are first introduced (age range, appearance, personality). But for TV, you’ll also include more detailed character breakdowns in the Series Bible, where you expand on each main character’s background, personality, relationships, and especially their arc—how they evolve with the story.

If you’re pitching a film or TV project, it’s also common to provide a character list or character breakdown document outside of the script so producers, execs, or casting can quickly understand who the main players are.