Sierra-Dialog Portrait Borders

[SilverSpook]

Is there a way to set an automatic border for the Sierra-style portraits or do you have to just include that in the portrait image?

[Crimson Wizard]

Is there a way to set an automatic border for the Sierra-style portraits or do you have to just include that in the portrait image?

No, you will have to include these with every sprite.

OTOH, if you like to, or like to achieve some dynamic effect, you can create these portraits at runtime using DynamicSprite. If you do, you will have absolute freedom in combining all kinds of frames and backgrounds with actual character image.
Every frame of the View can be changed during game: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/wiki/ViewFrame_functions_and_properties#ViewFrame.Graphic