A faceclaim is the real actor, model or artwork a roleplayer uses to show what their character looks like. It gives partners a face to picture, without anyone claiming the character is that person.
This guide covers how to pick one, the etiquette around them, and the mistakes people make. Once you've chosen, From Faceclaim to Flesh helps you build a character who's more than a pretty picture.
Why roleplayers use faceclaims
- A shared picture. Your partner imagines the same face you do, which helps in scenes full of glances and expressions.
- Profile pictures and moodboards. Faceclaims make it easy to give a character a consistent look across their profile.
- A shortcut, not a description. They help, but they don't replace describing your character in your writing.
Types of faceclaim
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Actor or model | The most common. A real person whose photos match your character's age and look. |
| Canon | For fandom characters, the actor or art from the source material. |
| Illustrated | Commissioned or found art, anime, game characters. Credit the artist. |
| Generated or edited | Some sites and communities ban AI-generated faces; check the rules first. |
| None | Plenty of writers prefer to leave their character's face to words alone. That's fine too. |
Choosing a faceclaim
- Age first. Pick someone who looks the age your character is now, and find photos from the right period of their life. A 25-year-old character shouldn't use photos of a 45-year-old actor, or a teenager.
- Enough photos. You'll want profile pictures, different moods and outfits. Someone with a deep photo library is easier to use.
- Match the vibe, not just the features. A soft-spoken scholar and a mercenary with the same hair colour need very different faces.
- Represent people accurately. If your character is from a specific ethnic or cultural background, choose a faceclaim who shares it. Don't use someone of one background to stand in for another.
- Check you're not duplicating. In a small community or a group roleplay, two characters with the same faceclaim cause confusion. A quick search before you commit saves an awkward conversation.
Faceclaim etiquette
- Only adults, only public figures. Use adult actors and models, or art. Never use photos of private people, including friends, influencers who aren't public figures, or anyone found on social media.
- No minors as faceclaims for adult characters, and never a minor's face anywhere near romantic or mature content. RPL's rules forbid underage sexual content outright, and explicit images can't be used as profile or cover pictures.
- Respect "claimed" lists. Some groups keep a list of faceclaims in use. If yours does, ask before reusing one.
- Credit artists when you use illustrated faceclaims, and respect artists who ask not to be used.
- It's the character, not the person. Never write about the real person behind a faceclaim, and keep fanfic about real people separate from your OC.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the face before the character. If you start from a favourite actor, it's easy to end up with a character who's just that actor's best-known role. Build the person first.
- Over-relying on the photo. "She looks like the picture" isn't a description. Your partner still needs to know what your character looks like in the scene: wet hair, a bruised knuckle, a coat two sizes too big.
- Switching faceclaims often. Partners get attached to the face they picture. Change only when you have a good reason, and mention it.
Writing a bio to go with the faceclaim? See How to Write an Effective Bio and the bio templates you can copy straight into your profile.