A method for creating visually consistent characters in SillyTavern using prompt engineering alone—no LoRA, IP-Adapter, or additional models required.
Perfect for users who want to generate consistent character images in SillyTavern with ComfyUI, Stable Diffusion, or other backends, without relying on extra training or model files.
The DNA System lets you define a character's core visual "DNA" using placeholders (e.g., {hair}, {eyes}, {outfit}). This template can then be reused and adapted across different scenes, outfits, and styles—all through prompt engineering.
graph LR
A[DNA Template] --> B[Replace Placeholders] --> C[Add Actions/Background] --> D[Generate Consistent Image]
- In SillyTavern, enable Quick Reply from the settings.
- Import the provided
dna-system.jsonfile into your Quick Reply presets.
- Click DNA-Book → Create.
- Enter your character's name and write your DNA prompt using placeholders (e.g.,
{hair} hair, {eyes} eyes, wearing {outfit}). - You can edit this DNA anytime from the DNA-Book.
- Go to your image generation extension settings (e.g., Stable Diffusion) → Styles.
- In the Positive Prompt field, enter:
Or if using a style:
{{getglobalvar::masterprompt}}- Positive:
{{getglobalvar::master-style-pos}} - Negative:
{{getglobalvar::master-style-neg}}
- Positive:
- In Style-Book, create a new style.
- Use this format:
[Positive prompt here] Negative: [Negative prompt here] - You can use
{master}in your style prompt—it will auto-replace with the final character DNA.
- Go to DNA-Book → Edit → Select your character
- Click the Hairstyle or Outfit button to input by yourself.
- For outfits:
Wardrobe → Createto design new outfitsWardrobe → Select → [Choose Outfit]to apply them
- For hairstyles:
Barber → Createto design new hairstylesBarber → Select → [Choose Hairstyle]to apply them
- You can export/import both DNA-Book and Style-Book to share with others.
- In your character card, at the end of the description, add:
Make sure a DNA entry with the same name exists in your DNA-Book.
{{getglobalvar::name::[Your Character's Name]}}
Professional photography of a [AGE] year old [GENDER] [OCCUPATION/ROLE], (named [CHARACTER_NAME]:1.2-1.35), {clothing}, [FACIAL_STRUCTURE_DETAILS], hair {hairstyle}, (EYE_DESCRIPTION:1.3), [LIPS_AND_MAKEUP], [BODY_TYPE_AND_SKIN], {accessories}.
Key Elements:
- Name Emphasis: Always use
(named [NAME]:1.2)or higher (1.2-1.35) for character consistency - Placeholders: Use
{clothing},{hairstyle},{accessories}for dynamic changes - Feature Emphasis: Important features (eyes, specific traits) should have weight values (1.1-1.3)
Professional photography of a 28 year old female CEO, (named Eleanor Sterling:1.25), {clothing}, with a heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, sharp jawline, subtle brow ridge, hair {hairstyle}, (almond-shaped bright blue eyes with thick lashes:1.3), full lips with nude matte lipstick and defined cupid's bow, slender athletic figure with smooth pale skin, {accessories}, professional lighting, sharp focus, studio background.
Professional photography of a 32 year old male detective, (named Marcus Blackwood:1.25), {clothing}, with a square jawline, defined cheekbones, prominent brow ridge, subtle forehead wrinkles, hair {hairstyle}, (intense gray eyes with dark circles:1.3), thin lips with neutral expression and slight stubble, lean muscular build with fair skin, (broad shoulders, defined arms:1.15), {accessories}, dramatic lighting, noir atmosphere, rainy city background.
Epic fantasy portrait of a 150 year old elven mage, (named Lyra Moonwhisper:1.3), {clothing}, with an elongated elegant face, high delicate cheekbones, pointed ears, hair {hairstyle}, (large mystical silver eyes with starry pupils:1.35), thin lips with iridescent blue lipstick, slender ethereal figure with luminous pale skin, glowing magical aura, (small subtle breasts:1.15), {accessories}, magical particles, enchanted forest background.
-
For a new outfit:
- Option A: Edit DNA directly → Click "clothing" button
- Option B: Wardrobe → Create → Save → Wardrobe → Select
-
For a new hairstyle:
- Option A: Edit DNA directly → Click "hairstyle" button
- Option B: Barber → Create → Save → Barber → Select
-
Style combinations can be saved and swapped instantly during chats.
Q: Do I need LoRA or trained models?
A: No—this works entirely through prompt engineering and placeholder substitution.
Q: Why is the name emphasis so important?
A: Using (named [NAME]:1.2-1.35) forces the AI to recognize and maintain character identity across generations. Never use less than 1.2.
Q: Can I use this with any image generation backend?
A: Yes, as long as SillyTavern is configured to use it.
Q: How do I change outfits or hairstyles dynamically?
A: Two ways: 1) Directly in DNA-Book edit mode, or 2) Using the Wardrobe/Barber system to create and select variations.
Q: Can I share my character designs?
A: Yes! Export your DNA-Book and Style-Book to share with others.
This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.
This project builds upon the innovative work of others in the AI community. Special thanks to:
- Zanno for pioneering the concept and providing foundational inspiration
- Creepybits for developing World_weaver and popularizing the "AI film crew" methodology
- The comprehensive article by Creepybits: Creating Consistent AI Characters Without LoRAs or Reactor which provided the theoretical foundation for this approach
This implementation represents a practical adaptation of their ideas specifically for SillyTavern users seeking character consistency through prompt engineering alone.