Character Boards
Character Boards
Telling a Story Through Images, Sound, and Style
Telling a Story Through Images, Sound, and Style
In this assignment, you’ll build a visual character board—a digital collage that expresses the look, feel, mood, and energy of a character without relying on too many words. Think of this like moodboarding for a movie, graphic novel, or game.
Your goal? Capture a character’s essence through:
Images
Colors and textures
Songs or playlists
Movie/TV clips or aesthetic references
Maybe a quote or two—but keep it visual first!
You’ll create this as a page on your Google Site.
Title the page after your character or something thematic (“The Grieving Mechanic,” “Ella, Age 12 – Post-Apocalypse”).
This is your canvas.
Images – 5 or more strong, expressive visuals. These could include:
Photos or artwork
Clothes and fashion inspiration
Landscapes or environments
Objects that feel emotionally connected (e.g., a cracked teacup, a burning notebook)
Color + Texture – Use at least 1–2 images that suggest texture or emotion. Think peeling wallpaper, worn leather, sharp metal, warm sunlight—feel, not just look.
Music or Sound – Include a song (or link to a playlist) that sounds like this character. One track is enough, but more is welcome.
Film or Style References – Optional but encouraged: Include a link to a scene, trailer, or character in a show/movie that gives off a similar vibe.
A brief quote (either your own or borrowed)
A short character note (e.g., "She’s afraid of silence" or “He walks like every floor is breaking”)
A small character profile with name, age, setting, and backstory—only if you want to.
Less is more. The fewer words you use, the more powerful your images must be.
Ask: What would this character keep in their room? Wear? Listen to when they’re angry? Touch when they’re scared?
Avoid generic aesthetics. Choose images that reveal contradiction, uniqueness, or emotional detail.
Look beyond Pinterest. Use YouTube, Spotify, museum sites, fashion blogs, even product catalogs.
Visual Storytelling – Are the images evocative, meaningful, and specific?
Mood Consistency – Do the pieces fit together to form a clear tone or atmosphere?
Creativity – Does this character feel alive through sensory detail?
Limited Text – Is the focus on visuals, not essays?
Publish your character board page and submit the link through Google Classroom under the assignment titled “Character Boards.”
This isn’t just about what your character looks like—it’s about what they feel like. If someone saw your board with no explanation, could they sense your character’s story?
Let the images speak.