# Character relationship chart template

From AxiomStory (https://axiomstory.com/blog/character-relationship-chart).
Fill one row per direction: Mara to Phill and Phill to Mara are two rows.
Write the chapter next to every answer so you can check the page later.

## 1. The cast

List everyone who matters to at least one other character. Put the main character first.

| Name | Role | Group or family | First chapter |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |

## 2. The lines (one row per direction)

Use one short word for each line: ally, rival, family, mentor, debt, crush, enemy, uses, fears.
Leave a box blank until the story needs it.

| From | To | One word | Knows about them | Trusts them? | Wants from them | Owes them | Hides from them | Since chapter |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

## 3. Who knows what

Most relationship turns are a secret coming out. List each secret once.

| Secret | Who knows it | Who must not find out | Revealed in chapter |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |

## 4. Snapshots

Copy section 2 at each turning point (end of act one, the midpoint, the ending)
and change only the rows that moved. Note why each one changed.

| Chapter | From | To | Was | Now | What changed it |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |

## 5. Check the chart

- Does every main character have at least one line with friction in it?
- Does anyone have no lines at all? Cut them, merge them, or give them a stake.
- Are all of one character's lines the same word? Change one.
- Is every line shown in a scene, not just in your notes?
- Does any character act on a secret before the chapter where they learn it?