Foreword
Name of the Rose, by Bryan Talbot

Preface: Graphic Novel Characters and Seven Precepts

Section I: The Graphic Novel
What Is a Graphic Novel?
History and Geography
The Graphic Novelist: Singular Vision
The Design Team: Collaboration and Oversight

Section II: The Character
Story and Archetype
The Central Character and the Opposition
Contrast and Commonality
The Supporting Cast
Character Histories: Motivation and Conflict

Section III: Elements of Design
Unity and Sequence
Tools and Techniques: Character Model Sheets
Speech Patterns: Dialogue, Balloons, and Lettering
The Face
The Human Form
The Nonhuman Form
Case Study: Eric Shanower
Line, Contour, and Sequence
Case Study: Eddie Campbell

Section IV: Design Style
The Character Design Spectrum: Abstraction to Hyperrealism
Genre and Tone
Minimalism: Tom Gauld and Jeffrey Brown
Cartooning: Colleen Coover and Jef Czekaj
Verisimilitude: Miriam Katin and Don MacDonald
Reality and Imagination: Jeff Parker and Colleen Doran
Case Study: Leah Hernandez
Case Study: Jeff Nicholson

Section V: Appearance & Reality
Subtext and Symbolism
Wardrobe and Props
Expression, Motion, and Gesture
Case Study: Jenn Manley Lee
Case Study: Brendan Cahill
Case Study: Metaphrog

Section VI: The Expanded Cast
Group Identity and Storytelling
Case Study: Jason Little
Case Study: Dylan Meconis
Case Study: Busiek, Anderson, and Ross
Case Study: Stan Sakai

VII: Knowing Your Audience
Age Appeal
Gender and Culture
Case Study: Wendy and Richard Pini
Case Study: Bryan Talbot
Case Study: Andy Runton
Case Study: Mark Crilley

Section VIII: Modern Methods
Digital Design
Internet Research
Case Study: B. Shur
Case Study: Scott Christian Sava
Case Study: Ryan Estrada

Section IX: Putting It All Together
Symmetry and Synthesis
Judging and Refining Your Character Design
Conclusion: Into the Future

Suggested Reading
Online Resources
Glossary