A visual aid organizing characters, often fictional, along with their traits, relationships, and roles within a narrative. Such a resource can be created by hand or generated via computer, and made available in a readily reproduced format. One common example is a downloadable chart outlining the main figures in a novel, detailing their allegiances and motivations.
These charts offer a valuable means of comprehending complex narratives, particularly those with numerous participants or intricate storylines. The use of these documents can enhance understanding and retention of information. Historically, similar organizational tools have been employed in fields such as genealogy and sociology, demonstrating the broad applicability of visual representation of relationships and attributes.
The following sections will delve into the specific applications, formats, and considerations involved in utilizing such organizational aids effectively for literary analysis, role-playing games, and educational purposes.