---
id: consistency_checklist
name: Consistency Checklist
slug: consistency-checklist
type: tracking
status: active
last_checked: ""
checked_by: ""
created: ""
updated: ""
---

# Consistency Checklist

*Track and verify continuity across your story*

> **Check this file before finalizing each chapter.** Update as you write to catch inconsistencies early.

---

## Critical Checks (Must Verify)

### Character Consistency
- [ ] All character ages match the timeline
- [ ] Character names spelled consistently (including nicknames)
- [ ] Character appearances match descriptions
- [ ] Character motivations align with actions
- [ ] Character arcs progressing as planned
- [ ] Dialogue voices distinct and consistent
- [ ] Relationships updated after major events
- [ ] Secrets revealed in correct order

### Location Consistency
- [ ] Location descriptions match across mentions
- [ ] Distances between locations consistent
- [ ] Travel times calculated and consistent
- [ ] Location features (buildings, landmarks) correctly placed
- [ ] Weather/climate consistent with region and season
- [ ] Political control of locations updated

### Timeline Consistency
- [ ] Event dates don't conflict
- [ ] Character ages match birth dates
- [ ] Historical events align with character backstories
- [ ] Season and time of day consistent
- [ ] Day of week calculations correct

### World Rules Consistency
- [ ] Magic system rules followed in all scenes
- [ ] Technology level consistent
- [ ] Physical laws not violated
- [ ] Societal customs respected
- [ ] Economic rules applied consistently

---

## Chapter-by-Chapter Tracking

| Chapter | Characters | Locations | Timeline | Rules | Notes | Status |
|---------|------------|-----------|----------|--------|-------|--------|
| Ch 1 | | | | | | 
| Ch 2 | | | | | | 
| Ch 3 | | | | | | 

---

## Character-Specific Tracking

### Protagonist
| Attribute | Value | First Mentioned | Last Verified | Status |
|-----------|-------|----------------|---------------|--------|
| Full Name | | | | 
| Age | | | | 
| Appearance | | | | 
| Motivation | | | | 
| Key Items | | | | 

### Antagonist
| Attribute | Value | First Mentioned | Last Verified | Status |
|-----------|-------|----------------|---------------|--------|
| Full Name | | | | 
| Age | | | | 
| Appearance | | | | 
| Motivation | | | | 
| Key Items | | | | 

---

## Location-Specific Tracking

| Location | Description | First Mentioned | Last Verified | Status |
|----------|-------------|----------------|---------------|--------|
| | | | | 

---

## Magic/Technology Tracking

| System | Rule | Chapter | Compliance | Notes |
|--------|------|---------|------------|-------|
| | | | | 

---

## Relationship Tracking

| Relationship | Status | Chapter Established | Last Mentioned | Notes |
|--------------|--------|---------------------|---------------|-------|
| | | | | 

---

## Plot Hole Prevention

### Foreshadowing Check
- [ ] All Chekhov's guns fired
- [ ] All mysteries have clues
- [ ] All character skills used
- [ ] All location details relevant

### Continuity Check
- [ ] Injuries explained (healed or lingering)
- [ ] Items accounted for (gained/lost)
- [ ] Knowledge gained remembered
- [ ] Promises fulfilled or addressed

### Logic Check
- [ ] Character actions have motivation
- [ ] Event causes have setup
- [ ] Consequences follow actions
- [ ] Dialogue doesn't contradict facts

---

## Version History

| Date | Checked By | Findings | Resolved | Notes |
|------|------------|----------|----------|-------|
| | | | | 

---

## Quick Verification Commands

Use your editor's search:
- `{{ character.name }}` - Find all mentions of a character
- `{{ location.name }}` - Find all mentions of a location
- `[[` - Find all cross-references
- `status:` - Find all status fields

---

## Final Check Before Publishing

- [ ] All consistency checks passed
- [ ] All timeline entries complete
- [ ] All character sheets updated
- [ ] All location descriptions final
- [ ] All relationship maps current
- [ ] All world rules followed

---

**Last Checked:** {{ last_checked if last_checked else "Never" }} | **By:** {{ checked_by if checked_by else "No one" }} | **Created:** {{ created }} | **Last Updated:** {{ updated }}