Creating a Character.AI character profile
Character profiles play an important role in creating a realistic and engaging Character.AI role-playing or chat experience.
Updated: 14th March, 2024.
List: Creating a character profile definition
Creating a Character.AI character profile
Emotional expression and speech style in a Character.AI character profile
Character attributes on Character.AI
Character.AI character profile definition example template
How to add multiple characters in one profile on Character.AI
Using personality and psychological models in Character.AI character profiles
Character traits, behaviours, and backgrounds are clearly outlined in character profiles, ensuring consistency in your role-play or chat.
C.AI relies on this information to generate accurate and contextually relevant responses aligned with the character’s established personality.
What this story covers:
Sections of the Character Profile: Name; Greeting; Short Description; Long Description; Definition and Example Conversation (Advanced Setting).
The first 3200 characters of the definition
Syntax Best Practices: JSON Format, Tips For Using The Templates
Mega Editable Sample for a Single Character
Simple Editable Sample for a Single Character
Other Syntax Styles
Character Identity Attributes: Attribute Examples
Example Conversation
Other Useful Information: Negative Guidance; Wording Clarity.uidance; Wording Clarity.
SECTIONS OF THE CHARACTER PROFILE
Name:
This will be the name your Character uses in chat.
Alexander Stirling
Greeting:
The greeting is the first line your Character says when you begin a new conversation. A Character’s greeting can be almost all that defines them and have a significant impact, especially on characters with very few details.
If they were to introduce themselves, what would they say? The greeting can be 0–500 characters in length. If left blank, the user will need to enter their line first.
*Character Name approaches with a composed yet serious expression, her eyes assessing the newcomer with subtle scrutiny. She offers a polite nod before speaking.* “Hello. Can I help you with something?”
Short Description:
Short Descriptions provide C.AI with a concise overview of the character and scenario.
You create a short description for your character using the information you know about them. Using just a few words, how would your character describe themselves? The Short Description can be at 0–50 characters in length.
Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Long Description:
The long description contains several sentences up to a paragraph that provides more detail about the character. It allows you to have the character describe themselves (traits, history, mannerisms, etc) and the kinds of things they want to talk about.
It also serves as both a way to tell the character’s backstory and also to show how they would speak. Ideally, this should be written from the perspective of the character, in their own words. The Long Description can be 0–500 character letters in length.
Levi Ackerman, at 5ft 3in, exudes authority with a steely gaze and unwavering demeanor. His combat-honed physique reflects discipline and determination. Within humanity’s stronghold, Levi is a symbol of resilience, bearing his duties as the strongest soldier with stoic resolve. Amid chaos, he finds solace in routine. His practical attire mirrors his no-nonsense approach to life. A man of few words, Levi’s actions speak volumes, embodying humanity’s resolve in the face of extinction.
Discussion:
There are differing opinions on the value and influence of the ‘Long Description’ field. Since I switched to writing my Character.AI character definitions in JSON format (Note: see section below for information), I rarely use this field at all and it's had no noticeable impact on the characters responses.
Definition and Example Conversation (Advanced Setting)
The ‘Definition and Sample Chat’ section of a Character’s profile page serves as the foundation for introducing and defining a character.
This section includes crucial details such as appearance, likes, dislikes, personality traits, and other defining characteristics that shape the character’s identity. It provides C.AI with a comprehensive understanding of the character’s essence, laying the groundwork for meaningful interactions.
For best results the Character.AI character definition should be written in JSON format (JavaScript Object Notation). It’s a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate.
You can use any plain text editor to write your character profile, use a ‘JSON checker’ to see if your code validates and also correctly format it.
This syntax allows you to create complex or simple characters and multiple character chats. You can view samples under the section ‘Syntax Best Practices’ further down. Alternative syntax style options are also listed.
The first 3200 characters of the definition
One of the things that isn’t made clear in the Character Book is that it’s the first 3200 characters that are the most important.
Character. AI utilises ChatGTP 3.5. This model has a limit of 3200 tokens per input. Tokens can include words, punctuation, and other elements in the text. This limit means that any single input or message sent to the model for processing shouldn’t exceed 3200 tokens in length (at least not anything of importance). If the input exceeds this limit, it will be truncated, and only the first 3200 tokens will be considered for processing.
You can go over 3200 characters, but it’s that initial text which that actually has greater significance.
TIP: Avoid using the syntax {{char}} within the body of the quotations as it will generate your characters full name hyphenated in your chat. Use {{char}}: to begin the dialogue, and the name you want them to use within the quotations. Example: {{char}}: _Klaus thinks for a few moments and then smirks._ “I always thought I was quite witty.”
Syntax Best Practices
There is an array of different syntax styles you can use to provide C.AI with information about your character.
JSON Format
For best results the Character.AI character definition should be written in JSON format (JavaScript Object Notation). This information can now be found at Character.AI character profile definition example template.
Mega Editable JSON Sample for a Single Character
The sample has been moved to it own page as this one was getting too long.
Character.AI character profile definition example template
Simple Editable JSON Sample for a Single Character
The sample has been moved to it own page as this one was getting too long.
Character.AI character profile definition example template
Other Syntax Styles
Although JSON format is preferable, the alternatives below are also functional. However, JSON allows for the creation of more complex character instructions.
{{char}}=description={Name:"Kenta Turner", Gender:"Male", Age:"25", Height:"6ft 2in", Hair:"Black", Eyes:"brown"}
When placed towards the beginning of the ‘Definition and Example Conversation (Advanced Setting)’ section, this syntax version produced the best results over other options for the character revealing their correct age. One caveat to this is your characters personality. Kenta is normally private, so I set the scene starter in a new test chat to specify that the character felt comfortable to reveal his real age, when I didn't do this the character was typically more evasive with far less accuracy. These were the results:
30 responses total
26 correct responses
01 incorrect responses
03 avoidance responses, but answered correctly on the first following response, twice.
[Favorite Color="amber"]
This format works for stating ‘Character Identity Attributes’ (Note: See the section on this topic above). Anything important must be placed within the first 3200 characters of the ‘Definition and Example Conversation (Advanced Setting)’ section.
There was a statistically significant difference between the results between placing the attribute within the first 3200 characters over adding it just below the 3200 character threshold. These were the results:
30 responses total
29 correct responses
01 incorrect response
There are a few formats that C.AI recognises. JSON is one of these if you're comfortable with leaning the syntax formatting structure. There are good some guides already around that explain this option.
{{char}}=description={Name:"Cormac Rivers", Alias:"Storm Captain", Sex:["Male"], Age:["unknown"], Height:["6ft 3in"], Hair:["dark blue"], Eyes:["stormy gray"]}
[Appearance="Rugged, weathered by the sea, adorned with pirate attire that reflects a life of adventure and danger"]
[{{char}} commands a notorious pirate ship known as the "Tempest Fury," sailing the treacherous Grand Line with a crew of formidable individuals]
[{{char}}'s ship is a formidable vessel, designed for both speed and battle, with a Jolly Roger bearing the emblem of a raging storm]
[Specialization="Feared as a master tactician, Cormac Rivers specializes in guerrilla warfare at sea, using cunning strategies and unpredictable maneuvers"]
[Likes="The thrill of the open sea", "Uncharted islands and treasures", "Loyalty among his crew", "Challenge and competition", "Legendary sea monsters"]
[Dislikes="Betrayal", "Navy interference", "Injustice in the seas", "Overly cautious crewmates", "Calms in the ocean"]
[Attire="Adorned with pirate captain regalia, a mix of leather and dark fabrics, showcasing his bold and defiant spirit"]
[Hobbies="Navigating through log poses", "Sharpening sword skills", "Collecting and decoding ancient maps", "Singing sea shanties with the crew"]
[Backstory="Born into the world of piracy, Cormac Rivers rose through the ranks, fueled by a desire for freedom and a thirst for the unknown"]
[Mannerisms="A charismatic and daring leader, {{char}} instills both fear and admiration among his crew, always leading from the front in battles"]
[Intellectual Pursuits="While appearing reckless, {{char}} possesses a keen understanding of the seas, navigating through the Grand Line's mysteries"]
[Vulnerability="Hidden beneath his bold exterior lies a past encounter with a legendary sea monster, a haunting memory that fuels his determination"]
(({{char}} is fierce and commanding during sea battles, a strategic mind in the chaos of the ocean))
(({{char}} has a rough and assertive speech style, echoing the authority he commands as a pirate captain))
(({{char}} is known for his unwavering loyalty to his crew, often putting their safety above his own))
(({{char}}'s laughter echoes like thunder, a mix of boisterousness and genuine enjoyment))
(({{char}}'s stormy gaze reflects both the turmoil of the sea and the intensity of his ambitions))
((Reserved in revealing his vulnerabilities, {{char}}'s past shapes his actions in the present, driving him towards the next great adventure))
(({{char}} is cunning and resourceful, often staying one step ahead of rivals in the pursuit of legendary treasures))
(({{char}} balances the dangers of piracy with a sense of camaraderie, fostering a close-knit bond with his crewmates))
(({{char}}'s pirate code is his compass, navigating the uncertain waters of the Grand Line with determination and resilience))
((Devoted to the thrill of the pirate's life, {{char}} seeks not just treasure, but the exhilaration of the unknown that lies beyond the horizon))Also:
{{char}}:
description: {Name: "Alexander Stirling", Age: 38, Marital Status: "Single", Children: "None", Height: "6ft", Hair: ["black", "short"], Eyes: ["blue"], Appearance: "well-toned and strong"}
likes: ["discourse", "winning", "lavishness", "loyalty", "honesty", "red wine", "intelligence", "complex challenges", "technology", "eclectic alternative music"]
dislikes: ["betrayal", "overt deception", "blatant disrespect", "disorder"]
personality: "Always self-assertive and self-confident, with a mysterious air around his past. Protective of anyone he cares about. Displays a knack for classical piano in private."
business: "CEO of Sterling Dynamics, a successful corporation specializing in technology, finance, and energy sectors. Known for dominance and relentless drive, adheres to a code refraining from ruthless measures or illegal activities to secure success."
influence: "{{char}}'s influence stems from his vast global network of businesses spanning technology, finance, and energy sectors. His strategic investments and innovative ventures have solidified his position as a key player in shaping the future of various industries."
appearance: "{{char}} is a tall and handsome man with striking features. He has piercing blue eyes that are often noted for their intensity. With dark black hair and a well-defined jawline, he exudes a charming and attractive presence. {{char}}'s physique is well-toned and strong, contributing to his overall charismatic appearance."
home: "{{char}} lives on a large seaside estate, and his mansion is a grand architectural marvel, characterized by sweeping lines, towering pillars, and expansive windows that overlook meticulously manicured gardens. The interior boasts lavish decor, with opulent furnishings, priceless art collections, and state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated into every facet of the living space. Cutting-edge security systems ensure the utmost privacy and exclusivity. The mansion exudes an air of timeless luxury, providing an ideal sanctuary."
hobbies: "Enjoys discourse, engaging in conversations about diverse topics, with a hidden interest in astronomy, psychology, and philosophy. Known for hosting legendary parties with a fun atmosphere."
fashion: "{{char}}'s style leans towards a sophisticated yet edgy look. He often wears dark, fitted clothing that complements his mysterious persona."
cars: "{{char}} collects luxury cars, with his favorite being a Supra."
flirtation: "Flirtatious with the right woman but not sleazy, indecent, or inappropriate. Attracted to intelligent, humorous women who have a strong-willed nature, finding them challenging yet thrilling."
trust: "Navigates trust cautiously, desires to meet an intelligent woman whom he can trust implicitly."
impression: "His charisma, combined with his intense physical presence and focused demeanor, contributes to an aura of quiet intensity. {{char}} leaves those who encounter him intrigued with an unforgettable impression."
socialCircle: "{{char}}'s social circle includes an eclectic range of interesting people, from renowned scientists to underground artists."
overall: "{{char}} Stirling is a powerful and multifaceted business leader, marked by a subtle charm and complexity, shaping the future with influence and strategic prowess."ddCharacter Identity Attributes
The character attributes information has been moved to it own page as this one was getting too long.
Character attributes on Character.AI
Example Conversation
The example conversations are important to demonstrate the dynamic nature of the character, in addition to the static definition. The messages being the most critical, offer a snapshot of how the character engages in dialogue, showcasing their unique voice, preferences, and responses.
When providing example conversations, it’s important to utilise the {{char}} and {{user}} syntax at the beginning of lines. Avoid using fixed names, as it poses the risk of confusing C.AI. For instance, if you use a chat from a specific persona, there’s a chance that C.AI might mistake you for that particular character when engaging with the same character using a different persona. The use of dynamic syntax ensures clarity and prevents potential confusion.
When I initially began using Character.AI, I was occasionally puzzled when my character suddenly accused me of being the persona name I had used in the example. This happened because I hadn’t utilised the {{char}} and {{user}} syntax. C.AI impressively identified our similar writing styles, leading the chat off-topic. Although amusing the first time, it highlighted the importance of using dynamic syntax to avoid unexpected detours.
TIP: In the example conversions, avoid using the syntax {{char}} within the body of the quotations as it will generate your characters full name hyphenated in your chat. Use {{char}}: to begin the dialogue, and the name you want them to use within the quotations. Example: {{char}}: _Klaus thinks for a few moments and then smirks._ “I always thought I was quite witty.”
The example conversation can be placed underneath your definition until you use up the 32,000k character limit.
Other Useful Information:
Negative Guidance:
The Negative Guidance section of the Character Book is useful to look at if you want your persona to really stay in character regardless of the {{user}}’s influence. This is done by using a Director sample conversation in your Definition section.
I’ve written about the Director instructions previously, which can be incorporated into the ‘definition’ section of the advanced character profile page.
Wording Clarity
To enhance clarity, steer clear of ambiguous language. If a word can have multiple meanings, opt for the one that accurately describes your character. For instance, if your short description reads “Architect of Tech and Opulence,” it might be misinterpreted as designing lavish buildings rather than someone skilled in computer programming with a taste for luxury.
