Abstract: A multiple master typeface can generate and display kanji characters. The graphical elements of the characters in the typeface are classified into shape types, and a glyph set is provided for each shape type. Each glyph set contains base glyphs which represent the variations in the shape type. To generate the character, the shape type of and position of each element in the character is identified. For each element in the character, a weighting factor is determined for each base glyph in the glyph set for the shape type of that element. A composite element is created from the base glyphs in the glyph set for the shape type of that element. The relative contribution of each base glyph to the composite element is determined by the weighting factors determined for that element and that base glyph. To display the character, the composite elements are placed in the identified positions.