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Appearance Matrix: character × scene visual

Last updated June 10, 2026 · 4 min read

Appearance matrix (the 2nd view in Character Bible) shows a character × scene matrix — at a glance, see which character appears in which episode / scene.

Slima Script Studio Appearance Matrix view: rows are characters, columns are Episodes; a ● in a cell means the character appears in that episode and a ⭐ marks their first appearance; a Current Season / All Seasons toggle sits above

How to open

Character Bible top toggle → Appearance Matrix.

Matrix layout

                S01E01  S01E02  S01E03  S01E04  ...
                ─────────────────────────────────────
J. Doe (lead)     ●      ●      ●      ●     ...
A. Smith (sup.)   —      ●      ●      ●     ...
M. Brown (sup.)   ●      —      ●      —     ...
Mr. Grey (antag)  —      —      —      ●     ...
  • Rows: each character
  • Columns: each Episode (or Scene, depending on setting)
  • Cell: ● means the character appears in that episode; ⭐ marks their first appearance; empty = absent

Uses

1. Read character appearance rhythm

The protagonist should appear in every episode → their row should be fully ●.
Supporting characters may not always appear — check distribution makes sense.
Antagonist may show up later → ● from E04 onwards.

2. Catch "missing" issues

If your protagonist suddenly vanishes in an episode (no scenes), the matrix surfaces it instantly — production-wise that could be a problem (actor scheduling / weak story progress).

3. See character combinations

Which characters share scenes? Which never appear together? The matrix reveals potential chemistry / missing relationship beats.

Scope switching

The matrix has a Current Season / All Seasons toggle above it:

  • Current Season: episodes of the season you are currently in
  • All Seasons: every episode across the whole work

The All / Series / Current Season / Current Episode chips at the top also filter which characters (rows) show.

Live link to Scene Detail Panel

Matrix contents auto-compute from scene character chips (Scene Detail Panel's character appearance setting).

Editing:

  • Add a character in Scene Detail Panel → matrix cell becomes ●
  • The matrix is read-only: clicking a populated cell jumps to that scene; appearances are edited in the Scene Detail Panel

Screenwriting practice

  • Protagonist-absent episodes: when you intentionally have an anthology-style episode without the lead, the matrix shows it clearly
  • New character introduction timing: planning to introduce a character in S2 → from which episode ● lights up — clear at a glance
  • Character arc analysis: combine with Storylines to see "where A-story and B-story intersect"

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