How to Generate NPC Portraits with Claude
Generate NPC portraits with Claude 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. Claude is ideal for developing the cast as a creative whole — ensuring each character has a distinct visual personality and the lineup feels like a coherent world.
Connect ToolRouter to Claude
1Open connector settings Open Settings
2Add a custom connector with these details
Name
ToolRouterURL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Let Claude set you up Open Claude
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Character Sheet Maker tool:
- Describe the world setting and the cast of NPCs needed — roles, archetypes, and distinguishing traits for each.
- Run `npc_portraits` and `character_lineup` through `character-sheet-maker` to generate the cast.
- Ask Claude to evaluate the lineup — does each character read as distinct, do any two look too similar, does the cast feel like it belongs to the same world?
- Revise the weakest portraits and export the finalised lineup for use in the game, campaign, or story.
Example Prompt
Try this with Claude using the Character Sheet Maker tool
Use character-sheet-maker to create a lineup of 6 NPCs for a dark fantasy game — a merchant, a guard captain, a corrupt priest, a blacksmith, a thief, and a court mage. Each should feel distinct in silhouette and personality. Review the lineup and tell me which two look most similar and why.
Tips
- Define each NPC's role before generating — role determines costume, posture, and expression, which drives visual distinction.
- Ask Claude to evaluate the lineup's silhouette diversity — characters that read clearly as shapes rather than just face details are easier to identify at small sizes.
- For tabletop campaigns, generate a name card version of each portrait alongside the full lineup.