From a534f8bb6fae585a2b5ed51aae7db6d66a844174 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: digital-garbage <133010426+digital-garbage@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:08:48 +0300
Subject: [PATCH] opencut_ui: hard-remove the character feature (no UI surface
 remained)

The rebuilt editor never exposed character creation/assignment, so the feature
was vestigial: dead frontend plumbing plus generation branches that only fired
for legacy/imported projects. Removed it wholesale per decision.

Backend:
- Deleted movie_editor/backend/characters.py and the /library/characters routes.
- timeline.py: dropped normalize_character_bible / build_characters_anchor /
  _load_character_map / _scene_character_prefix / character_media_refs_for_project
  and friends. effective_anchor/effective_negative_prompt now return the project's
  manual text; resolve_scene_identity_pin(cs) returns the project-level identity
  pin only. Removed Scene.character_ids and Project.character_bible fields and the
  character_ids fingerprint key.
- Continuity auto-guides keep working off continuity_settings.identity_pin_ref.

Frontend:
- store.js: removed state.characters, the character preview-key plumbing,
  load/save/deleteCharacter, sceneCharacterIds/toggleSceneCharacter, character_ids
  in patch/archive paths and exports.
- timeline.js: dropped clip-char badge rendering; api.js: dropped character routes;
  view_bus.js: dropped chars fingerprint; tour.js: dropped demo characters + copy;
  styles.css: dropped .clip-chars/.clip-char.

Tests: removed test_characters.py and the character-bible timeline tests; added
manual-anchor / manual-negative / project-identity-pin tests. 133 passed, 4 skipped.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 movie_editor/backend/characters.py    |  94 -------------
 movie_editor/backend/projects.py      |   2 +-
 movie_editor/backend/timeline.py      | 184 ++------------------------
 movie_editor/frontend/api.js          |   3 -
 movie_editor/frontend/mediabrowser.js |   2 +-
 movie_editor/frontend/store.js        |  73 +---------
 movie_editor/frontend/styles.css      |   5 -
 movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js     |  12 +-
 movie_editor/frontend/tour.js         |  17 +--
 movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js     |   2 -
 movie_editor/server.py                |  24 ----
 movie_editor/tests/test_characters.py |  32 -----
 movie_editor/tests/test_timeline.py   | 103 ++------------
 13 files changed, 34 insertions(+), 519 deletions(-)
 delete mode 100644 movie_editor/backend/characters.py
 delete mode 100644 movie_editor/tests/test_characters.py

diff --git a/movie_editor/backend/characters.py b/movie_editor/backend/characters.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 98de7b48..00000000
--- a/movie_editor/backend/characters.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,94 +0,0 @@
-"""Global character library for the Movie Editor (stored under FUNPACK_MOVIE_DATA)."""
-from __future__ import annotations
-
-import json
-import time
-import uuid
-from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any, Optional
-
-from . import config
-
-CHARACTERS_PATH = config.DATA_DIR / "characters.json"
-
-
-def normalize_character_record(raw: Optional[dict]) -> dict[str, Any]:
-    raw = raw or {}
-    return {
-        "name": str(raw.get("name", "")).strip(),
-        "appearance": str(raw.get("appearance", "")).strip(),
-        "body": str(raw.get("body", "")).strip(),
-        "wardrobe": str(raw.get("wardrobe", "")).strip(),
-        "always_include": str(raw.get("always_include", "")).strip(),
-        "never_include": str(raw.get("never_include", "")).strip(),
-        "face_ref": raw.get("face_ref") or None,
-        "body_ref": raw.get("body_ref") or None,
-        "detail_ref": raw.get("detail_ref") or None,
-    }
-
-
-def _ensure_db() -> dict:
-    config.ensure_dirs()
-    if not CHARACTERS_PATH.exists():
-        CHARACTERS_PATH.write_text(json.dumps({"characters": {}}, indent=2), encoding="utf-8")
-    data = json.loads(CHARACTERS_PATH.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    if not isinstance(data, dict):
-        data = {"characters": {}}
-    data.setdefault("characters", {})
-    return data
-
-
-def _write_db(data: dict) -> None:
-    config.ensure_dirs()
-    CHARACTERS_PATH.write_text(json.dumps(data, indent=2), encoding="utf-8")
-
-
-def _new_id() -> str:
-    return uuid.uuid4().hex[:12]
-
-
-def character_items(data: Optional[dict] = None) -> list[dict]:
-    db = data or _ensure_db()
-    items = []
-    for cid, raw in (db.get("characters") or {}).items():
-        if not isinstance(raw, dict):
-            continue
-        item = dict(raw)
-        item["id"] = str(item.get("id") or cid)
-        items.append(item)
-    items.sort(key=lambda c: (c.get("name") or "").lower())
-    return items
-
-
-def load_character_map() -> dict[str, dict]:
-    return {c["id"]: c for c in character_items()}
-
-
-def list_characters() -> dict:
-    return {"characters": character_items()}
-
-
-def save_character(payload: dict) -> dict:
-    db = _ensure_db()
-    chars = db.setdefault("characters", {})
-    original_id = str(payload.get("original_id") or "").strip()
-    cid = str(payload.get("id") or original_id or _new_id())
-    if original_id and original_id != cid and original_id in chars:
-        del chars[original_id]
-    now = time.time()
-    prev = chars.get(cid) or {}
-    item = normalize_character_record(payload)
-    item["id"] = cid
-    item["created_at"] = float(prev.get("created_at", now))
-    item["updated_at"] = now
-    chars[cid] = item
-    _write_db(db)
-    return {"characters": character_items(db)}
-
-
-def delete_character(char_id: str) -> dict:
-    db = _ensure_db()
-    chars = db.setdefault("characters", {})
-    chars.pop(str(char_id), None)
-    _write_db(db)
-    return {"characters": character_items(db)}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/movie_editor/backend/projects.py b/movie_editor/backend/projects.py
index f2a9b9e5..fd9e9cbe 100644
--- a/movie_editor/backend/projects.py
+++ b/movie_editor/backend/projects.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def save(project: Project) -> Project:
 
 def create(name: str = "Untitled") -> Project:
     project = Project(name=name)
-    project.anchor = "Optional: describe characters or the world shared by all scenes"
+    project.anchor = "Optional: describe the subjects or world shared by all scenes"
     project.scenes = [Scene(text="Describe your first scene here…")]
     return save(project)
 
diff --git a/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py b/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
index 2bf2a107..45a76cdf 100644
--- a/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
+++ b/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
@@ -41,155 +41,21 @@ def normalize_guide_settings(raw: Optional[dict]) -> dict[str, bool]:
     }
 
 
-def normalize_character_bible(raw: Optional[dict]) -> dict[str, Any]:
-    """Structured character profile — text merges into the anchor; face ref can drive identity pin."""
-    raw = raw or {}
-    return {
-        "name": str(raw.get("name", "")).strip(),
-        "appearance": str(raw.get("appearance", "")).strip(),
-        "body": str(raw.get("body", "")).strip(),
-        "wardrobe": str(raw.get("wardrobe", "")).strip(),
-        "always_include": str(raw.get("always_include", "")).strip(),
-        "never_include": str(raw.get("never_include", "")).strip(),
-        "face_ref": raw.get("face_ref") or None,
-        "body_ref": raw.get("body_ref") or None,
-        "detail_ref": raw.get("detail_ref") or None,
-        "sync_identity_pin": bool(raw.get("sync_identity_pin", True)),
-    }
+def effective_anchor(project: Project) -> str:
+    """The project's manual anchor text (prepended to every scene by Studio)."""
+    return (project.anchor or "").strip()
 
 
-def build_character_bible_anchor(bible: Optional[dict]) -> str:
-    """Render one character profile into anchor prose."""
-    return build_characters_anchor([bible] if bible else [])
+def effective_negative_prompt(project: Project) -> str:
+    """The project's manual negative prompt."""
+    return (project.negative_prompt or "").strip()
 
 
-def build_characters_anchor(characters: list[Optional[dict]]) -> str:
-    """Merge multiple character profiles into one anchor block."""
-    blocks: list[str] = []
-    for raw in characters:
-        b = normalize_character_bible(raw)
-        if not any(b[k] for k in ("name", "appearance", "body", "wardrobe", "always_include")):
-            continue
-        parts: list[str] = []
-        if b["name"]:
-            parts.append(f"Character: {b['name']}.")
-        if b["appearance"]:
-            parts.append(f"Appearance: {b['appearance']}.")
-        if b["body"]:
-            parts.append(f"Body: {b['body']}.")
-        if b["wardrobe"]:
-            parts.append(f"Wardrobe: {b['wardrobe']}.")
-        if b["always_include"]:
-            text = b["always_include"].rstrip(".")
-            parts.append(text + ".")
-        blocks.append(" ".join(parts).strip())
-    return " ".join(blocks).strip()
-
-
-def _load_character_map() -> dict[str, dict]:
-    try:
-        from .characters import load_character_map
-    except ImportError:
-        from characters import load_character_map  # type: ignore
-    return load_character_map()
-
-
-def _project_uses_scene_characters(project: Project) -> bool:
-    return any((s.character_ids or []) for s in project.scenes)
-
-
-def _characters_for_scene(scene: Scene, char_map: dict[str, dict]) -> list[dict]:
-    return [char_map[cid] for cid in (scene.character_ids or []) if cid in char_map]
-
-
-def _scene_character_prefix(scene: Scene, char_map: dict[str, dict]) -> str:
-    return build_characters_anchor(_characters_for_scene(scene, char_map))
-
-
-def effective_anchor(project: Project, char_map: Optional[dict[str, dict]] = None) -> str:
-    """Manual project anchor + legacy project.character_bible when no per-scene characters."""
-    char_map = char_map if char_map is not None else _load_character_map()
-    parts: list[str] = []
-    if not _project_uses_scene_characters(project):
-        legacy = build_character_bible_anchor(project.character_bible)
-        if legacy:
-            parts.append(legacy)
-    manual = (project.anchor or "").strip()
-    if manual:
-        parts.append(manual)
-    return " ".join(parts).strip()
-
-
-def effective_negative_prompt(project: Project, char_map: Optional[dict[str, dict]] = None) -> str:
-    """Project negative plus never_include from scene characters (and legacy bible)."""
-    char_map = char_map if char_map is not None else _load_character_map()
-    manual = (project.negative_prompt or "").strip()
-    never_parts: list[str] = []
-    seen: set[str] = set()
-    if not _project_uses_scene_characters(project):
-        leg = normalize_character_bible(project.character_bible)["never_include"]
-        if leg:
-            never_parts.append(leg)
-    for scene in project.scenes:
-        if scene.excluded:
-            continue
-        for cid in (scene.character_ids or []):
-            if cid in seen:
-                continue
-            seen.add(cid)
-            c = char_map.get(cid)
-            if not c:
-                continue
-            never = normalize_character_bible(c)["never_include"]
-            if never:
-                never_parts.append(never)
-    never = ", ".join(never_parts).strip()
-    if never and manual:
-        return f"{manual}, {never}"
-    return never or manual
-
-
-def resolve_scene_identity_pin(
-    scene: Scene,
-    char_map: dict[str, dict],
-    cs: dict[str, Any],
-) -> Optional[str]:
-    """First assigned character with a face ref drives the pin for this scene."""
-    for cid in (scene.character_ids or []):
-        c = char_map.get(cid)
-        if c and c.get("face_ref"):
-            return c["face_ref"]
+def resolve_scene_identity_pin(cs: dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Project-level identity pin reference for continuity guides, if set."""
     return cs.get("identity_pin_ref")
 
 
-def character_media_refs_for_project(project: Project, char_map: Optional[dict[str, dict]] = None) -> list[str]:
-    char_map = char_map if char_map is not None else _load_character_map()
-    refs: list[str] = []
-    if not _project_uses_scene_characters(project):
-        refs.extend(character_bible_media_refs(project))
-    seen: set[str] = set()
-    for scene in project.scenes:
-        if scene.excluded:
-            continue
-        for c in _characters_for_scene(scene, char_map):
-            for key in ("face_ref", "body_ref", "detail_ref"):
-                ref = c.get(key)
-                if ref and ref not in seen:
-                    seen.add(ref)
-                    refs.append(ref)
-    return refs
-
-
-def character_bible_media_refs(project: Project) -> list[str]:
-    b = normalize_character_bible(project.character_bible)
-    refs: list[str] = []
-    for key in ("face_ref", "body_ref", "detail_ref"):
-        ref = b.get(key)
-        if ref:
-            refs.append(ref)
-    return refs
-
-
 def continuity_settings_for_run(project: Project) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Continuity knobs (per-scene identity pins are resolved in auto guides)."""
     return normalize_continuity_settings(project.continuity_settings)
@@ -267,11 +133,11 @@ def build_auto_continuity_guides(full: Project, target: Project) -> Optional[dic
     if not active_target:
         return None
 
-    char_map = _load_character_map()
     decay = cs["guide_decay"]
+    project_pin = resolve_scene_identity_pin(cs)
 
-    def _pin_for(sc: Scene) -> Optional[str]:
-        return resolve_scene_identity_pin(sc, char_map, cs)
+    def _pin_for(_sc: Scene) -> Optional[str]:
+        return project_pin
 
     def _entries_for_index(full_idx: int, chain_idx: int, scene: Scene) -> list[dict]:
         entries: list[dict] = []
@@ -327,19 +193,11 @@ def build_auto_continuity_guides(full: Project, target: Project) -> Optional[dic
 def continuity_media_refs(full: Project, target: Project) -> list[str]:
     """Media-bin ids that must exist for the active continuity/guide path."""
     cs = continuity_settings_for_run(full)
-    char_map = _load_character_map()
     refs: list[str] = []
 
     if cs["auto_enabled"]:
-        refs.extend(character_media_refs_for_project(full, char_map))
         if cs["identity_pin_ref"]:
             refs.append(cs["identity_pin_ref"])
-        for sc in full.scenes:
-            if sc.excluded:
-                continue
-            pin = resolve_scene_identity_pin(sc, char_map, cs)
-            if pin:
-                refs.append(pin)
         payload = build_auto_continuity_guides(full, target)
         if payload:
             for scene_list in payload.get("scenes") or []:
@@ -527,8 +385,6 @@ class Scene:
     cut_offset_frames: int = 0
     # Per-scene guide overrides (only when project.guide_settings.stack_enabled).
     guides: list = field(default_factory=list)
-    # Character library ids assigned to this scene (merged into its prompt on generate).
-    character_ids: list = field(default_factory=list)
     # Source trim inside generated media (slip edit): in-point seconds and optional duration.
     source_in: float = 0.0
     source_dur: Optional[float] = None
@@ -564,7 +420,6 @@ class Scene:
             gen_unit_id=d.get("gen_unit_id"),
             cut_offset_frames=int(d.get("cut_offset_frames", 0) or 0),
             guides=list(d.get("guides") or []),
-            character_ids=[str(x) for x in (d.get("character_ids") or []) if x],
             source_in=float(d.get("source_in") or 0),
             source_dur=d.get("source_dur"),
             scene_archive=d.get("scene_archive"),
@@ -591,8 +446,7 @@ class Scene:
 class Project:
     id: str = field(default_factory=_new_id)
     name: str = "Untitled"
-    anchor: str = ""               # extra anchor text (character bible prepends before this)
-    character_bible: dict = field(default_factory=dict)
+    anchor: str = ""               # extra anchor text prepended to every scene
     # Optional master prompt in Studio combined syntax. When the user edits it and
     # hits Apply, the editor reparses it into anchor + scenes + transitions (normal
     # Studio behaviour). Stored verbatim so the field round-trips; not used at build.
@@ -660,7 +514,6 @@ class Project:
             id=d.get("id") or _new_id(),
             name=str(d.get("name", "Untitled")),
             anchor=str(d.get("anchor", "")),
-            character_bible=dict(d.get("character_bible") or {}),
             global_prompt=str(d.get("global_prompt", "")),
             negative_prompt=str(d.get("negative_prompt", "")),
             intro_transition=str(d.get("intro_transition", "")),
@@ -780,9 +633,8 @@ def build_combined_prompt(project: Project, include_excluded: bool = False,
         if (include_excluded or not s.excluded) and is_generative_scene(s)
     ]
     units = group_generative_units(scenes)
-    char_map = _load_character_map()
     parts: list[str] = []
-    anchor = effective_anchor(project, char_map)
+    anchor = effective_anchor(project)
     if anchor:
         parts.append(anchor)
     # Only inject separators for a MULTI-unit run: editorial subclips count as one unit.
@@ -791,9 +643,6 @@ def build_combined_prompt(project: Project, include_excluded: bool = False,
     for i, (_uid, group) in enumerate(units):
         root = gen_unit_root(group)
         text = (root.text or "").strip()
-        char_prefix = _scene_character_prefix(root, char_map)
-        if char_prefix:
-            text = f"{char_prefix} {text}".strip() if text else char_prefix
         if inject and not (text and trig_re and trig_re.match(text)):
             prev_root = gen_unit_root(units[i - 1][1]) if i > 0 else None
             marker = (project.intro_transition or "").strip() if i == 0 else ((prev_root.transition_to_next if prev_root else "") or "").strip()
@@ -819,16 +668,11 @@ def generation_prompt_fingerprint(project: Project, target: Optional[Project] =
     active = [s for s in tgt.scenes if not s.excluded]
     cs = continuity_settings_for_run(project)
     gs = normalize_guide_settings(project.guide_settings)
-    char_map = _load_character_map()
-    char_key = "|".join(
-        f"{s.id}:{','.join(s.character_ids or [])}" for s in active
-    )
     run_key = "\n".join([
         text_hash,
         "|".join(_scene_run_fingerprint(s) for s in active),
-        char_key,
         cs.get("identity_pin_ref") or "",
-        effective_negative_prompt(project, char_map),
+        effective_negative_prompt(project),
         "stack" if gs["stack_enabled"] else "",
     ])
     run_hash = hashlib.sha256(run_key.encode("utf-8")).hexdigest()[:24]
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/api.js b/movie_editor/frontend/api.js
index 87125144..9a20a2dd 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/api.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/api.js
@@ -93,9 +93,6 @@
     listFiles: () => j("GET", API("/files")),
     deleteFile: (group, name) => j("DELETE", API(`/files/${encodeURIComponent(group)}/${encodeURIComponent(name)}`)),
     clearFiles: (group) => j("POST", API(`/files/${encodeURIComponent(group)}/clear`), {}),
-    characters: () => j("GET", API("/library/characters")),
-    saveCharacter: (item) => j("POST", API("/library/characters"), item),
-    deleteCharacter: (id) => j("DELETE", API(`/library/characters/${encodeURIComponent(id)}`)),
     nleLibrary: () => j("GET", API("/library/nle")),
 
     // media bin
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/mediabrowser.js b/movie_editor/frontend/mediabrowser.js
index 56bd98d9..679c8cf7 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/mediabrowser.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/mediabrowser.js
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Left zone (Assets): projects + media bin only. Characters/Shortcuts/Splits live in the Composer;
+// Left zone (Assets): projects + media bin only. Shortcuts/Splits live in the Composer;
 // per-clip effects & transitions live in the Properties inspector.
 (function () {
   const { el, clear } = window.dom;
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
index be200ef8..04593b60 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@
     mediaPreviewId: null,    // transient image preview in the player (not scene assignment)
     shortcuts: [],           // prompt shortcut library
     shortcutCategories: [],  // managed grouping list: [{name, sub_categories:[]}]
-    characters: [],          // global character library
     imageTargets: [],        // where an image asset can be wired [{value,label}]
     ratingLabels: [],        // FunPack Studio V2 rating options
   };
@@ -117,36 +116,15 @@
   }
   function get() { return state; }
 
-  function _assignedCharacterIds(project) {
-    const ids = new Set();
-    (project?.scenes || []).forEach((s) => (s.character_ids || []).forEach((id) => ids.add(id)));
-    return ids;
-  }
-
-  function _characterPreviewKey(project) {
-    const assigned = _assignedCharacterIds(project);
-    return (state.characters || [])
-      .filter((c) => assigned.has(c.id))
-      .map((c) => [
-        c.id, c.name, c.appearance, c.body, c.wardrobe, c.always_include, c.never_include,
-        c.face_ref, c.body_ref, c.detail_ref,
-      ].join("\x1f"))
-      .sort()
-      .join("|");
-  }
-
   function _promptPreviewKey(project) {
     if (!project) return "";
     return JSON.stringify({
       anchor: project.anchor,
       global_prompt: project.global_prompt,
       intro_transition: project.intro_transition,
-      character_bible: project.character_bible,
-      characters: _characterPreviewKey(project),
       scenes: (project.scenes || []).map((s) => ({
         text: s.text,
         excluded: s.excluded,
-        character_ids: s.character_ids,
         transition_to_next: s.transition_to_next,
         source_type: s.source?.type,
         media_ref: s.source?.media_ref,
@@ -919,7 +897,7 @@
   function _patchSceneTarget(id, patch) {
     const s = scene(id); if (!s) return null;
     const root = isGenSubclip(s) ? genUnitRoot(genUnitId(s)) : s;
-    const targetId = (root && isGenSubclip(s) && (patch.text != null || patch.rating != null || patch.source != null || patch.character_ids != null))
+    const targetId = (root && isGenSubclip(s) && (patch.text != null || patch.rating != null || patch.source != null))
       ? root.id : id;
     return scene(targetId);
   }
@@ -969,7 +947,6 @@
 
   function _applyScenePatch(id, patch, quiet) {
     const t = _patchSceneTarget(id, patch); if (!t) return;
-    const charsChanged = patch.character_ids != null;
     const anchorChanged = _anchorPatchChanged(t, patch);
     if (anchorChanged) _stampRenderSourceBeforeAnchorChange(t);
     const merged = { ...patch };
@@ -977,13 +954,9 @@
     if (!quiet && !window.EditorHistory?.isApplying()) _historyRecord();
     Object.assign(t, merged);
     if (merged.source) _syncGenUnitSource(genUnitRoot(genUnitId(t)) || t);
-    if (charsChanged) _invalidateGlobalPromptDraft();
     if (anchorChanged) {
       clearTimeout(saveTimer); saveTimer = null;
       _localDirty = true; _renderAfterSave = true; notify(); commit();
-    } else if (charsChanged) {
-      notify();
-      _syncPromptPreview();
     } else if (_patchAffectsCombinedPrompt(merged)) {
       syncGlobalPromptFromTimeline();
       if (quiet) scheduleSaveSilent();
@@ -1111,7 +1084,6 @@
       text: sc.text || "",
       source: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(sc.source || {})),
       guides: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(sc.guides || [])),
-      character_ids: [...(sc.character_ids || [])],
       effects: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(sc.effects || {})),
       frames: sc.frames,
       frames_mode: sc.frames_mode,
@@ -1138,7 +1110,6 @@
     sc.text = archive.text || "";
     sc.source = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(archive.source || { type: "carry" }));
     sc.guides = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(archive.guides || []));
-    sc.character_ids = [...(archive.character_ids || [])];
     sc.effects = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(archive.effects || {}));
     sc.frames = archive.frames;
     sc.frames_mode = archive.frames_mode;
@@ -3581,45 +3552,6 @@
     notify();
   }
   async function loadShortcuts() { try { const r = await API.shortcuts(); state.shortcuts = r.shortcuts || []; state.shortcutCategories = r.categories || []; } catch (_) { state.shortcuts = []; state.shortcutCategories = []; } notify(); }
-  async function loadCharacters() { try { state.characters = (await API.characters()).characters || []; } catch (_) { state.characters = []; } notify(); }
-  function _characterAssignedToProject(charId) {
-    if (!charId || !state.project) return false;
-    return (state.project.scenes || []).some((s) => (s.character_ids || []).includes(charId));
-  }
-
-  async function saveCharacter(item) {
-    try {
-      state.characters = (await API.saveCharacter(item)).characters || state.characters;
-      const cid = item.id || item.original_id;
-      if (_characterAssignedToProject(cid)) {
-        _invalidateGlobalPromptDraft();
-        await refreshPreview(true);
-      } else notify();
-    } catch (e) { alert("Save failed: " + e.message); }
-  }
-  async function deleteCharacter(id) {
-    try {
-      const wasAssigned = _characterAssignedToProject(id);
-      state.characters = (await API.deleteCharacter(id)).characters || [];
-      if (wasAssigned) {
-        _invalidateGlobalPromptDraft();
-        await refreshPreview(true);
-      } else notify();
-    } catch (e) { console.error(e); }
-  }
-
-  function sceneCharacterIds(sceneId) {
-    const s = scene(sceneId); if (!s) return [];
-    const root = isGenSubclip(s) ? genUnitRoot(genUnitId(s)) : s;
-    return [...(root?.character_ids || s.character_ids || [])];
-  }
-
-  function toggleSceneCharacter(sceneId, charId) {
-    const s = scene(sceneId); if (!s || !charId) return;
-    const ids = sceneCharacterIds(sceneId);
-    const next = ids.includes(charId) ? ids.filter((x) => x !== charId) : [...ids, charId];
-    patchScene(sceneId, { character_ids: next });
-  }
   async function saveShortcut(item) { try { const r = await API.saveShortcut(item); state.shortcuts = r.shortcuts || state.shortcuts; if (r.categories) state.shortcutCategories = r.categories; notify(); } catch (e) { alert("Save failed: " + e.message); } }
   async function deleteShortcut(name) { try { const r = await API.deleteShortcut(name); state.shortcuts = r.shortcuts || []; if (r.categories) state.shortcutCategories = r.categories; notify(); } catch (e) { console.error(e); } }
   async function addCategory(category, subCategory) {
@@ -3796,7 +3728,6 @@
     try { const t = await API.transitions(); state.transitions = t.transitions || []; } catch (_) { state.transitions = []; }
     await loadNleLibrary();
     await loadShortcuts();
-    await loadCharacters();
     await loadMedia();
     try { state.ratingLabels = (await API.ratingLabels()).labels || []; } catch (_) { state.ratingLabels = []; }
     await loadModels();
@@ -3812,7 +3743,6 @@
     refreshProjectList, loadProject, newProject, deleteProject, downloadProject, importProject,
     patchProject, patchProjectQuiet, patchScene, patchSceneQuiet, flushSave, selectScene, addScene, removeScene, removeSelectedScenes, removeFromPlan, restoreToPlan, dismissGhost, moveScene, moveSceneTo, moveTimelineClip, scene,
     addVideoClip, addImageClip, convertToVideo, convertToScene, isVideoClip, isGenerativeScene,
-    sceneCharacterIds, toggleSceneCharacter,
     genUnitId, isGenSubclip, genUnitRoot, genUnitSceneIds,
     renderPromptForScene, renderPromptMismatch, renderAnchorMismatch, renderMediaLabel, renderIsStale,
     buildPreviewSegments, previewTotalSec, audioTrackEndSec, hasOverlayOrAudioContent,
@@ -3834,7 +3764,6 @@
     loadMedia, uploadMedia, deleteMedia, deleteMediaMany, renameMedia, previewMedia, clearMediaPreview, assignMediaToScene, exportMediaAsset,
     loadShortcuts, saveShortcut, deleteShortcut, importShortcuts, clearShortcuts, addCategory,
     getEditorSettings, getEditorSetting, setEditorSetting,
-    loadCharacters, saveCharacter, deleteCharacter,
     loadTransitions, saveTransition, deleteTransition, importTransitions, clearTransitions,
     loadNleLibrary, applyNleEffect, applyNleVideoTransition,
     applySplitMarkerToSelection, applyTransitionToSelection, insertShortcutIntoSelection,
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
index 40ea21f6..0343fe8d 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
@@ -487,11 +487,6 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .insp-tag { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10.5px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: var(--amber); text-transform: uppercase; }
 .insp-hint { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); margin: -4px 0 12px; }
 .insp-block { margin-bottom: 16px; }
-.clip-chars { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 3px; flex-shrink: 0; }
-.clip-char { font-size: 9px; font-family: var(--font-mono); color: var(--amber-2); background: #2a2418;
-  border: 1px solid #4a4334; border-radius: 4px; padding: 1px 4px; white-space: nowrap; }
-.clip.has-media .clip-chars { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
-
 /* global prompt — first entry in the inspector list (scrolls with content) */
 .insp-global { margin: 0 0 14px; padding: 10px 10px 8px;
   background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 9px; }
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js b/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
index 71bb727e..e61c7c31 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
@@ -333,7 +333,7 @@
       }
       if (!badge) {
         badge = el("div", "clip-rated");
-        const anchor = clipEl.querySelector(".clip-chars") || clipEl.querySelector(".clip-text");
+        const anchor = clipEl.querySelector(".clip-text");
         if (anchor && anchor.nextSibling) clipEl.insertBefore(badge, anchor.nextSibling);
         else clipEl.append(badge);
       }
@@ -660,16 +660,6 @@
       : ((frozen && frozen.text) || scene.text || (root && root.text) || (subclip ? "cut" : "empty scene"));
     clip.append(el("div", "clip-text" + (label && label !== "empty scene" && label !== "cut" && label !== "Video clip" ? "" : " empty"), label));
 
-    const charIds = S.sceneCharacterIds(scene.id);
-    if (charIds.length) {
-      const chars = el("div", "clip-chars");
-      charIds.forEach((cid) => {
-        const c = (st.characters || []).find((x) => x.id === cid);
-        chars.append(el("span", "clip-char", c?.name || cid));
-      });
-      clip.append(chars);
-    }
-
     const rating = sceneRatingDisplay(st, scene);
     if (rating) {
       const rated = el("div", "clip-rated");
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/tour.js b/movie_editor/frontend/tour.js
index d72ae9c7..d43e5e22 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/tour.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/tour.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
         },
         {
           q: "Missing media for continuity or guide stack.",
-          a: "A bin asset or character reference was deleted or moved. Re-upload the file in Media, or clear the broken guide or character assignment in the Inspector.",
+          a: "A bin asset referenced by a guide was deleted or moved. Re-upload the file in Media, or clear the broken guide in the Inspector.",
         },
       ],
     },
@@ -132,7 +132,6 @@
           gen_unit_id: "tour-s1",
           cut_offset_frames: 0,
           guides: [],
-          character_ids: ["tour-char-1"],
           source_in: 0,
           source_dur: null,
         },
@@ -153,7 +152,6 @@
           gen_unit_id: "tour-s2",
           cut_offset_frames: 0,
           guides: [],
-          character_ids: [],
           source_in: 0.5,
           source_dur: 4.2,
         },
@@ -174,7 +172,6 @@
           gen_unit_id: "tour-s3",
           cut_offset_frames: 0,
           guides: [],
-          character_ids: [],
           source_in: 0,
           source_dur: null,
         },
@@ -285,15 +282,6 @@
       ],
       mediaPreviewId: null,
       shortcuts: [{ id: "tour-sh-1", name: "golden hour", triggers: ["@golden"], replacements: ["warm sunset light"] }],
-      characters: [{
-        id: "tour-char-1",
-        name: "Traveler",
-        appearance: "Mid-30s, calm expression",
-        body: "",
-        wardrobe: "Light coat",
-        always_include: "",
-        never_include: "",
-      }],
       imageTargets: [],
       ratingLabels: ["good", "great", "bad"],
     };
@@ -329,7 +317,6 @@
     API.listMedia = ok({ media: demo.mediaBin });
     API.transitions = ok({ transitions: demo.transitions });
     API.shortcuts = ok({ shortcuts: demo.shortcuts });
-    API.characters = ok({ characters: demo.characters });
     API.nleLibrary = ok({ effects: demo.nleEffects, video_transitions: demo.nleVideoTransitions });
     API.refreshModels = ok({});
     API.generate = ok({ prompt_id: "tour-demo" });
@@ -503,7 +490,7 @@
       id: "composer",
       title: "Composer",
       target: "#composer-btn",
-      body: "Characters, Shortcuts, and Split markers live in the Composer — a window you open from here. Create them once and reuse them across scenes instead of retyping. (Per-clip effects and video transitions are edited in Properties.)",
+      body: "Shortcuts and Split markers live in the Composer — a window you open from here. Create them once and reuse them across scenes instead of retyping. (Per-clip effects and video transitions are edited in Properties.)",
       pad: 6,
     },
     {
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js b/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
index 6e9bceca..83486016 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
@@ -65,7 +65,6 @@
         scene_count: st.preview.parsed?.scenes?.length,
       } : null,
       models: st.models,
-      chars: st.characters?.length,
       media: st.mediaBin?.length,
       targets: st.imageTargets?.length,
     });
@@ -129,7 +128,6 @@
       projects: st.projects?.length,
       media: st.mediaBin?.length,
       mediaPreview: st.mediaPreviewId,
-      chars: st.characters?.length,
       shortcuts: st.shortcuts?.length,
       transitions: st.transitions?.length,
       nleEffects: st.nleEffects?.length,
diff --git a/movie_editor/server.py b/movie_editor/server.py
index 98d36330..04fc045b 100644
--- a/movie_editor/server.py
+++ b/movie_editor/server.py
@@ -1235,30 +1235,6 @@ if web is not None and PromptServer is not None:
         except Exception as e:  # noqa: BLE001
             raise web.HTTPBadRequest(reason=str(e))
 
-    @routes.get(UI_PREFIX + "/api/library/characters")
-    async def _characters(_req):
-        try:
-            from .backend import characters as char_lib
-            return web.json_response(char_lib.list_characters())
-        except Exception as e:  # noqa: BLE001
-            return web.json_response({"characters": [], "error": str(e)})
-
-    @routes.post(UI_PREFIX + "/api/library/characters")
-    async def _character_save(req):
-        try:
-            from .backend import characters as char_lib
-            return web.json_response(char_lib.save_character(await req.json()))
-        except Exception as e:  # noqa: BLE001
-            raise web.HTTPBadRequest(reason=str(e))
-
-    @routes.delete(UI_PREFIX + "/api/library/characters/{cid}")
-    async def _character_delete(req):
-        try:
-            from .backend import characters as char_lib
-            return web.json_response(char_lib.delete_character(req.match_info["cid"]))
-        except Exception as e:  # noqa: BLE001
-            raise web.HTTPBadRequest(reason=str(e))
-
     @routes.get(UI_PREFIX + "/api/library/nle")
     async def _nle_library(_req):
         try:
diff --git a/movie_editor/tests/test_characters.py b/movie_editor/tests/test_characters.py
deleted file mode 100644
index e65c7e67..00000000
--- a/movie_editor/tests/test_characters.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
-"""Character library store tests."""
-import json
-import sys
-from pathlib import Path
-
-ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2]
-sys.path.insert(0, str(ROOT))
-
-from movie_editor.backend import characters  # noqa: E402
-
-
-def test_character_library_crud(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    db = tmp_path / "characters.json"
-    monkeypatch.setattr(characters, "CHARACTERS_PATH", db)
-
-    assert characters.list_characters()["characters"] == []
-
-    characters.save_character({"name": "Nicole", "appearance": "red hair", "face_ref": "img1"})
-    items = characters.list_characters()["characters"]
-    assert len(items) == 1
-    assert items[0]["name"] == "Nicole"
-    assert items[0]["face_ref"] == "img1"
-    cid = items[0]["id"]
-
-    characters.save_character({"id": cid, "name": "Nicole V2", "appearance": "auburn hair"})
-    items = characters.list_characters()["characters"]
-    assert len(items) == 1
-    assert items[0]["name"] == "Nicole V2"
-
-    characters.delete_character(cid)
-    assert characters.list_characters()["characters"] == []
-    assert json.loads(db.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))["characters"] == {}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/movie_editor/tests/test_timeline.py b/movie_editor/tests/test_timeline.py
index f13ca104..9d8f5fc3 100644
--- a/movie_editor/tests/test_timeline.py
+++ b/movie_editor/tests/test_timeline.py
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ from movie_editor.backend.timeline import (  # noqa: E402
     Project,
     Scene,
     STUDIO_DEFAULT_GUIDE,
-    build_character_bible_anchor,
     build_combined_prompt,
     build_auto_continuity_guides,
     build_mixed_solo_guides_payload,
@@ -26,7 +25,6 @@ from movie_editor.backend.timeline import (  # noqa: E402
     effective_anchor,
     effective_negative_prompt,
     generation_prompt_fingerprint,
-    normalize_character_bible,
     normalize_continuity_settings,
     resolve_scene_identity_pin,
     collapse_generative_units,
@@ -292,84 +290,30 @@ def test_guide_stack_accumulate_prior():
     assert scene3[1]["source"] == "scene" and scene3[1]["scene_index"] == 1
 
 
-def test_character_bible_merges_into_anchor():
-    p = _project(
-        anchor="dimly lit apartment",
-        character_bible={
-            "name": "Nicole",
-            "appearance": "long red hair, green eyes",
-            "always_include": "photorealistic",
-        },
-        scenes=[{"text": "walks in"}],
-    )
-    anchor = effective_anchor(p)
-    assert anchor.startswith("Character: Nicole.")
-    assert "Appearance: long red hair, green eyes." in anchor
-    assert anchor.endswith("dimly lit apartment")
+def test_effective_anchor_is_manual_text():
+    p = _project(anchor="dimly lit apartment", scenes=[{"text": "walks in"}])
+    assert effective_anchor(p) == "dimly lit apartment"
     prompt = build_combined_prompt(p)
-    assert "Character: Nicole." in prompt
+    assert prompt.startswith("dimly lit apartment")
 
 
-def test_character_bible_never_include_merges_negative():
+def test_effective_negative_is_manual_text():
+    p = _project(negative_prompt="blurry, low quality", scenes=[{"text": "a"}])
+    assert effective_negative_prompt(p) == "blurry, low quality"
+
+
+def test_project_identity_pin_from_continuity_settings():
     p = _project(
-        negative_prompt="blurry, low quality",
-        character_bible={"never_include": "extra limbs, deformed hands"},
-        scenes=[{"text": "a"}],
-    )
-    neg = effective_negative_prompt(p)
-    assert "blurry" in neg
-    assert "extra limbs" in neg
-
-
-def test_scene_characters_merge_into_prompt(monkeypatch):
-    char_map = {
-        "c1": {"id": "c1", "name": "Nicole", "appearance": "red hair"},
-        "c2": {"id": "c2", "name": "Alex", "appearance": "tall"},
-    }
-    monkeypatch.setattr(
-        "movie_editor.backend.timeline._load_character_map",
-        lambda: char_map,
-    )
-    p = _project(scenes=[
-        {"text": "walks in", "character_ids": ["c1"]},
-        {"text": "sits down", "character_ids": ["c1", "c2"]},
-    ])
-    prompt = build_combined_prompt(p, for_generation=True)
-    assert "Character: Nicole." in prompt
-    assert "Character: Alex." in prompt
-    assert prompt.index("Nicole") < prompt.index("walks")
-    assert prompt.index("Alex") < prompt.index("sits")
-
-
-def test_scene_character_face_ref_drives_identity_pin(monkeypatch):
-    char_map = {"c1": {"id": "c1", "name": "Nicole", "face_ref": "face1"}}
-    monkeypatch.setattr(
-        "movie_editor.backend.timeline._load_character_map",
-        lambda: char_map,
-    )
-    p = _project(
-        continuity_settings={"identity_pin_ref": "other"},
+        continuity_settings={"identity_pin_ref": "pin1"},
         scenes=[
             {"id": "s1", "text": "a", "source": {"type": "carry"}},
-            {"id": "s2", "text": "b", "source": {"type": "carry"}, "character_ids": ["c1"]},
+            {"id": "s2", "text": "b", "source": {"type": "carry"}},
         ],
     )
     cs = continuity_settings_for_run(p)
-    sc2 = p.scenes[1]
-    assert resolve_scene_identity_pin(sc2, char_map, cs) == "face1"
+    assert resolve_scene_identity_pin(cs) == "pin1"
     guides = build_auto_continuity_guides(p, p)
-    assert guides["scenes"][1][0]["media_ref"] == "face1"
-
-
-def test_character_bible_refs_in_continuity_media():
-    p = _project(
-        character_bible={"face_ref": "f1", "body_ref": "b1", "detail_ref": "d1"},
-        scenes=[{"text": "a"}],
-    )
-    refs = continuity_media_refs(p, p)
-    assert refs == ["f1", "b1", "d1"]
-    p.continuity_settings = {"auto_enabled": False}
-    assert continuity_media_refs(p, p) == []
+    assert guides["scenes"][0][0]["media_ref"] == "pin1"
 
 
 def test_stale_identity_pin_ignored_when_auto_off():
@@ -392,25 +336,6 @@ def test_scene_anchor_media_refs():
     assert scene_anchor_media_refs(p) == ["frame1"]
 
 
-def test_scene_character_media_refs(monkeypatch):
-    char_map = {"c1": {"id": "c1", "face_ref": "f1", "body_ref": "b1"}}
-    monkeypatch.setattr(
-        "movie_editor.backend.timeline._load_character_map",
-        lambda: char_map,
-    )
-    p = _project(scenes=[{"text": "a", "character_ids": ["c1"]}])
-    from movie_editor.backend.timeline import character_media_refs_for_project
-    assert character_media_refs_for_project(p, char_map) == ["f1", "b1"]
-
-
-def test_character_bible_changes_generation_hash():
-    p = _project(scenes=[{"text": "walks"}])
-    h1 = generation_prompt_fingerprint(p, p)["prompt_hash"]
-    p.character_bible = {"name": "Alex"}
-    h2 = generation_prompt_fingerprint(p, p)["prompt_hash"]
-    assert h1 != h2
-
-
 def test_projects_store_crud(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     from movie_editor.backend import config, projects
     monkeypatch.setattr(config, "PROJECTS_DIR", tmp_path / "projects")