Abstract: A digital character generator with minimal storage requirements for use in random access display systems. Each character or symbol is made up of patterns of straight line segments called macro-strokes. Each macro-stroke in turn is made up of a predetermined number of connected portions or micro-strokes lying in a straight line. Each micro-stroke is of substantially the same length independent of the number of micro-strokes in a macro-stroke and of the directional orientation of the macrostroke. To store a character or symbol each macro-stroke is divided into its micro-strokes and the micro-strokes resolved into X and Y components. The X and Y components are stored along with the number of micro-strokes in the particular macro-stroke. Along with this information is stored the address and memory of the next macro-stroke within the character or symbol.