Template:Infobox soap character/doc

Adapted from the generic Infobox character, this infobox has been designed specifically to address the particular needs of soap opera characters. The template supports all appropriate parameters of the generic template, so that simply replacing   with    will preserve all information but add functionality.

The most significant improvement in this infobox is the addition of a collapsible Relationships section, with expanded parameters for relationships (Siblings, Romances etc.) that only appear if used. The use of the collapsible Relationships portion of the infobox is intended to eliminate the need for bottom-of-the-article relationship lists. These lists have repeatedly been identified as unencyclopedic and detrimental to an article's quality and status by WP 1.0 standards. The collapsing feature allows for the preservation of notable relationship data in an accessible manner while conserving space and not negatively impacting the article.

The template also features the ability to present the Series name in a colored bar below the main image, standardized image sizing and additional image parameters (for alternate performers in the same role only).

Usage
All parameters are optional, and will not display if empty. The "name" parameter will also default to PAGENAME if the parameter is not used; this is usually preferable to keep infobox heading concise, considering that full names (with multiple married names) are always noted at the beginning of each article.



Relationship parameters
The Relationships section of this infobox is collapsed by default to conserve space, and is a direct replacement for any and all other relationship lists within an article. Still, relatives listed should be limited to closer family and generations having some relevance to the character in question. Remember, more distant relations (step-great-grandchildren?) will be noted in the infoboxes of other characters more closely related to them. Similarly, relations by marriage and other potentially temporary connections need only be noted if the relationship holds some notable significance for the characters in question.

To conserve space and improve readability, Common names (usually the article name) should be used for links in infoboxes. For example, Sami Brady instead of the piped link Sami Brady|Samantha "Sami" Brady DiMera. Also, per WP:NOTBROKEN, proper redirects should be used when available rather than piping links directly; for example, use the redirect Pamela Stuart instead of the direct link One Life to Live miscellaneous characters#Pamela Stuart|Pamela Stuart.

In addition, descriptions and qualifiers within parameter content are largely unnecessary because of the category names displayed in the infobox; for example, noting "father" or "sister" beside a listed name is discouraged because this information is made obvious by the categories "Parents" or "Siblings" and only clutters the box. Only include missing or unclear information (marriage dates, "adoptive" or "deceased" where appropriate, etc.) or clarifications of more unusual situations ("biological mother" or "half-brother" being examples). Similarly, noting "dated," "lovers," etc. within the "Romances" parameter is redundant and not advised. Finally, when listing children, grandchildren, etc., it is unnecessary to note the parents, etc. that may establish the connection, as in: Junior Jones (son, via Mama Mia). '''The infobox is intended as a collection of basic information and a navigational tool, not an abbreviated article. Filling it with endless trivial data defeats this purpose.'''