Graded extensions of categories (Q1588067)

Considering extensions of categories \({\mathcal C}\to{\mathcal D}\to G\) (generalization of Schreier's group extensions) in which \(G\) is a group, one has a factor set theory and crossed product categories as classical. Each such extension ``realizes'' a collective character of \(G\) in \({\mathcal C}\), i.e., a homomorphism \(G\to\text{Out} {\mathcal C}\) into the group of isomorphisms classes of autoequivalences of \({\mathcal C}\). The present theory includes the obstruction for a collective character to be realized by extensions. Examples and applications (for \({\mathcal C}\) a group, a monoid, or a category of modules over a ring) show how the present categorical construction appears in many different algebraic contexts.