An apparatus and method is provided for idle mode screen image presentation device, such as a mobile phone. The screen image presentation apparatus includes a memory for storing a character house including variable and selectable background and function items for executing functions of the mobile phone, a controller for presenting the character house in a given mode, such as an idle mode of the mobile phone, and providing information, when one of the function items is selected, on a function represented by the selected function item, and a display which displays the character house and contents under the control of the controller.