Character Consistency Prompts: Storytelling Guide

One of the biggest challenges in AI art is keeping a character looking the same in different images. Nano Banana solves this with advanced character reference tools, allowing you to tell sequential stories, create comic books, or build a consistent brand mascot.

Understanding Character Consistency

Consistency isn't just about the face; it's about the outfit, body type, and style. Nano Banana uses a "Character Reference" system where you provide a master image, and the AI applies that identity to new prompts.

STORYBOARD HERO

Let's start with the foundation example from the Creative Blending overview. Here is the complete, fully detailed prompt to generate the "STORYBOARD HERO" consistency.

[Character Reference] Generate this character in a new scene.

Preserve:
- Facial features (exact match)
- Hairstyle and color
- Clothing details (armor/outfit)
- Art style (if applicable)

Transform Scene:
- **Action**: Climbing a snowy mountain peak
- **Pose**: Dynamic, reaching for a ledge above
- **Expression**: Determined, gritty, out of breath
- **Lighting**: Harsh sunlight reflecting off snow
- **Camera**: Low angle looking up at character

Why This Works

The "Character Reference": By providing a reference image, you lock in the identity. The prompt then focuses purely on the changes (scene, action) rather than describing the character from scratch every time.

The "Preserve" List: Explicitly telling the AI what to keep (face, hair, clothes) prevents it from hallucinating new details. If you don't mention the outfit, the AI might change it to match the "snowy" environment (e.g., putting them in a parka instead of their armor).

Common Mistakes

Variations on "STORYBOARD HERO"

Apply the character to different genres and needs.

The Comic Book Panel

Create sequential art for graphic novels.

[Character Reference] Generate a comic book panel.

- **Style**: Western comic book style with ink lines
- **Action**: Throwing a punch at an unseen enemy
- **Effect**: "POW" sound effect text bubble (optional)
- **Background**: Blurred city skyline speed lines
- **Expression**: Furious shout

What Changed: We switched the medium to "comic book style" and added action-specific elements like "speed lines."

The Mascot Branding

Place a brand mascot in marketing materials.

[Character Reference] Place mascot in a coffee shop setting.

- **Action**: Holding a steaming cup of coffee and giving a thumbs up
- **Setting**: Cozy modern cafe interior
- **Lighting**: Warm, inviting interior light
- **Vibe**: Friendly, welcoming, promotional

What Changed: We focused on "friendly vibes" and specific props ("coffee cup") for a commercial use case.

Expanding Your Story

Move your character through time and space.

The Age Progression

Show the same character at different ages.

[Character Reference] Generate this character as an elderly person.

- **Preserve**: Eye color, facial structure, distinctive scar
- **Change**: Add wrinkles, grey hair, sagging skin
- **Vibe**: Wise, weathered, experienced

The Outfit Change

Keep the face, change the clothes.

[Character Reference] Change character's outfit to formal wear.

- **Preserve**: Face and hair exactly
- **Change Outfit**: Black tuxedo with bow tie
- **Setting**: Grand ballroom
- **Pose**: Adjusting cufflinks

Troubleshooting

Next Steps

• Photo Compositing: Place your character in complex scenes.
• Image Blending: Merge your character with artistic elements.