howto:character

In images on Danbooru, all identifiable characters should be tagged and their tag set as a character tag.

What defines a character?

Generally, it is self-evident who are characters and what aren't. For example, Edward Elric, Pikachu, and Simon are obviously characters, while the philosopher's stone, Ecruteak City, and the core drill are not.

However, sometimes it isn't as clear cut. While there is no official policy on what a character is, the unofficial rule of thumb seems to be: If it talks, acts on its own, or is otherwise shown to be sentient in the source material (game, anime, manga, novel), it is a character.

Thus, something can be considered a character even if it is an object, for example Bardiche or Plankton's computer wife Karen.

What types of things SHOULD NOT be a character tag?

Locations and non-mecha vehicles are not characters. (See forum #34022)

Sometimes, artists draw an object (computer, software, vehicle, food, etc.) as a humanoid. This is called a personification. However, the object is still not considered a character, so it should remain a general tag. If the personified version becomes a character in its own right, a separate character tag can be created for it. For example, strawberry is the food and strawberry-chan is the personification.

How to make a character tag.

To make a tag be a character tag, prefix it with "character:" or "char:". Remember to replace spaces with underscores (like_this).

Name and Name Order

Character tags should be the same name and name order that are used in the original source material. For example, Kiyama Hiroto, not "Hiroto Kiyama" or "Xavier Foster". If an alternate name, such as a nickname or a name from the English version, is widely used, you may request an alias from that to the original language title.

However, some copyrights are exceptions to this rule. Characters from the following should be tagged with their English-language names when possible:

Follow howto:romanize.

If you are unsure how to romanize the character's name, ask in a comment or on the forum.

Only one name?

Whenever possible, characters should be tagged with their full name. However, some characters are only known by a single name (like Chen). Other times, their full name may be considered a spoiler. Usually these should be tagged with the single name, adding a _(series) qualifier if it is ambiguous. (See help:qualifiers)
If only their surname is known (e.g. same as their spouse or children), or if the full name is not well-known, it may be appropriate to tag them Mr. or Mrs. Surname. (or Dr. or Professor, etc)

Examples:

However, if a character is from a game which is self-titled (title comes from character's name, resulting in a character_(series) copyright tags), it should be left off. Example:

In the case of original characters, the tag should be qualified using the name of the person who designed it. This includes artists as well as non-artists, such as commissioners. The qualifier should be consistent with the name of the artist tag used on the site. Examples:

No name!

If the character has no known name but is still recognizable in images (or if their name is a spoiler), a succinct description can be used as a tag for them. If there is consensus among how fans of the series refer to them, use that. If the tag may be ambiguous, add a _(series) or _(artist) qualifier for copyrighted and original characters respectively.

Copyrighted examples:

Original examples:

Titles and honorifics

Generally, characters do not have honorifics or titles in their names, as the honorific changes depending on who is addressing the character. However, some characters have the honorific or title as a permanent part of their name such as Chouzetsusaikawa Tenshi-chan or Mr. C.B. In these cases, keep the honorific or title intact. In cases where a character is frequently addressed by their title, a utility alias can be created to help find the character, such as the alias from Arthur Kirkland -> United Kingdom (Hetalia).

Alternate identities, genderswaps, and other derivatives

If a character has alternate identities or forms which are visually distinct, these are tagged as well. Use the official name, or if there is none, the agreed-upon fan referent. Alternate forms may be spoiler, so be careful when tagging. Depending on the situation, the tag for the regular identity may be used with the alternate identity as well. Alternate identity tags may be character-type or general-type; again, it depends on the situation.

Examples:

Not every genderswap gets their own character tag; only the ones that are popular enough to have established genderswap names.

Exception is for younger or older versions of the character, these are covered by the regular character tag, plus whichever applicable age tags: aged down, baby, toddler, child, aged up, old_woman, old_man, etc.

Cosplays - One character wearing another's costume

Add both characters tags (the cosplayer and character they're dressing as) and a third general *_(cosplay) tag for the costume. So Ran wearing a Pikachu suit would need:

This can be accomplished by just tagging yakumo_ran and pikachu_(cosplay), as cosplay tags automatically imply both the character tag and the cosplay tag.
(see forum #1261)