How to Create Consistent Characters in Google Flow

Google Flow Characters in one sentence

A Google Flow Character is a named project asset that keeps selected appearance references, descriptive information and a voice together so you can reuse the same identity across new generations.

This is more reliable than repeatedly uploading a slightly different portrait for every shot because the project keeps one reusable character reference.

Characters versus Ingredients

Read the Frames and Ingredients guide when the reference is not a reusable named character.

Prepare the reference images

Google currently allows one or two images when creating a character and requires at least one. Use references that make the identity easy to interpret:

• Show the face and defining visual traits clearly.

• Avoid extra people, crowded backgrounds and conflicting wardrobe details.

• Use compatible lighting, age, hairstyle and proportions across both references.

• Prefer a neutral or segmented background when the reference will also be used as an Ingredient.

A “character sheet” can be useful preparation, but it is an input asset rather than a separate Flow control. Keep front, three-quarter and full-body views visually consistent before uploading them.

Create a character

1. Open Characters

   Open the correct Flow project, choose Characters in the project navigation and select New Character.

2. Describe the identity

   Write a concise description of the stable traits that should define the character.

3. Add reference images

   Upload or generate one or two images showing the intended appearance.

4. Generate the character

   Review the generated character before using it in a longer sequence.

5. Name it

   Choose a short, unique name that will be easy to reference in prompts.

6. Assign a voice

   Select a preset voice or create a custom voice when the feature is available for the account.

7. Save the character

   Add optional character information, then finish the setup so the asset remains available in the project.

Use the character in a prompt

Type @ followed by the saved character name, then describe the shot and what the character should do.

@Mara walks through the same foggy station at blue hour.
Medium tracking shot, restrained expression, charcoal coat,
preserve facial identity, hairstyle and wardrobe construction.

Use @me only for the separate personal-avatar feature when it is available to the account. Do not assume that @me and a project Character have identical access rules.

Keep the character consistent across clips

• Reuse the saved Character instead of uploading a new face reference for every shot.

• Repeat only the identity details that matter for continuity: wardrobe, hairstyle, age, voice and key accessories.

• Change one production variable at a time, such as action, camera or location.

• Avoid adding an Ingredient that depicts a conflicting version of the same person.

• Save approved frames and selected versions before building the next shot.

• Keep screen direction, lighting and environment language consistent when clips will be assembled together.

For a multi-shot sequence, move selected clips into the Scenebuilder workflow only after the character and continuity anchors are stable.

Why a character may still change

Character inconsistency can come from unclear references, contradictory prompt details, large pose or camera changes, unsupported model behavior or safety restrictions. A reusable Character is a continuity control, not an exact identity lock.

If a control is missing, confirm the active model, account and regional availability before rebuilding the character. Then simplify the prompt and test one short shot before spending credits on multiple outputs.