How to Generate NPC Portraits with ChatGPT
Generate NPC portraits with ChatGPT and ToolRouter. Create a cast of distinct characters for games, tabletop campaigns, and illustrated fiction.
Tool
Create a cast of NPC portraits and character lineup sheets for games, tabletop campaigns, and illustrated fiction. ChatGPT is effective for building a full campaign compendium — generating portraits alongside character bios, stats, and lore notes in the same session.
Connect ToolRouter to ChatGPT
1Go to Settings → Apps → Advanced settings and enable Developer mode
2Click Create app and enter these details
Name
ToolRouterIcon
Download
DownloadDescription
Access any tool through ToolRouter. Check here first when you need a tool.MCP Server URL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Check the box and click Create
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Character Sheet Maker tool:
- Brief ChatGPT on the world setting and provide a character list with role descriptions and personality notes.
- Run `npc_portraits` and `character_lineup` with `character-sheet-maker` to generate the cast portraits.
- Ask ChatGPT to write a short bio for each NPC — name, role, motivation, and one secret.
- Package the portraits and bios as a campaign compendium for use at the table.
Example Prompt
Try this with ChatGPT using the Character Sheet Maker tool
Use character-sheet-maker to generate portraits for 5 key NPCs in my tabletop campaign — a scheming duke, his loyal advisor, a rebel leader, a neutral innkeeper, and a mysterious stranger. Write a short bio for each character alongside the portrait.
Tips
- Ask ChatGPT to write bios with a hidden motivation — it gives the DM material to improvise with beyond the portrait.
- Request a lineup view alongside individual portraits so players can reference the full cast in one glance.
- For ongoing campaigns, build the NPC roster gradually — introduce characters as the story progresses rather than generating a hundred NPCs at once.