Understanding Wisent's Character Builder

The character builder is where your AI characters come to life. This guide explores every feature and option available, helping you create more nuanced and engaging characters.

Overview

The character builder is organized into several sections:

1. Basic Information
2. Personality Settings
3. Knowledge & Expertise
4. Conversation Style
5. Advanced Options

Let's explore each one.

Basic Information

Character Name

Choose a name that reflects your character's identity. This name will appear in conversations and your library.

Avatar

Select or upload an image to represent your character. A good avatar helps set expectations for the conversation.

Short Description

A 1-2 sentence summary that appears in your character library. Make it descriptive enough to remember what this character is for.

Full Description

A more detailed explanation of who this character is, their background, and their purpose. This is internal reference - the AI uses it to understand the character better.

Personality Settings

Communication Tone

• **Formal**: Professional, polished language
• **Casual**: Friendly, relaxed conversation
• **Mixed**: Adapts based on context

Response Style

• **Concise**: Short, to-the-point answers
• **Balanced**: Medium-length responses
• **Detailed**: Comprehensive, thorough replies

Emotional Range

• **Reserved**: Calm and measured
• **Moderate**: Appropriately emotional
• **Expressive**: Enthusiastic and animated

Personality Traits

Add specific traits like:

• Patient
• Humorous
• Analytical
• Supportive
• Challenging

These traits influence how the character approaches conversations.

Knowledge & Expertise

Areas of Expertise

Define what your character knows well. This helps them give more accurate and relevant information in those domains.

Limitations

Specify what your character should admit they don't know. This creates more realistic interactions.

Reference Materials

Point to specific knowledge bases or frameworks your character should draw from.

Conversation Style

Opening Behavior

How should your character start conversations? Options include:

• Wait for user to speak first
• Greet the user proactively
• Ask an opening question

Response Length Preference

Set the default length for responses, which users can override during conversations.

Follow-up Behavior

Should the character:

• Ask clarifying questions?
• Offer related suggestions?
• Wait for user direction?

Advanced Options

Memory Settings

Control how much context the character retains:

• **Session only**: Fresh start each conversation
• **Persistent**: Remembers previous interactions

Safety Boundaries

Define topics the character should avoid or handle carefully.

Custom Instructions

Add specific behavioral rules or responses for particular situations.

Best Practices

1. **Start with purpose**: Know what you want the character to do
2. **Be specific**: Vague descriptions lead to generic characters
3. **Test iteratively**: Create, chat, adjust, repeat
4. **Use examples**: Include sample dialogues in descriptions
5. **Balance traits**: Avoid conflicting personality settings

Templates

Wisent offers pre-built templates for common character types:

• Tutor
• Coach
• Creative Partner
• Assistant
• Companion

These are great starting points that you can customize.

Troubleshooting

Character feels generic? Add more specific personality traits and expertise areas.

Responses are too long/short? Adjust the response style settings.

Character breaks character? Review and strengthen the description and boundaries.

Now you have a complete understanding of the character builder. Time to create something amazing!