Guide: Creating Compelling AI Characters

Creating a great AI character is part art, part science. Here's what we've learned about building companions that feel real.

Start with Motivation

Every memorable character wants something. Not just surface desires, but deep motivations that drive their behavior.

A helpful assistant is boring. A brilliant scientist desperate to share their discoveries is interesting. Both might answer your questions, but one has personality.

Add Contradictions

Real people are inconsistent. A brave warrior might be afraid of spiders. A cold executive might melt around dogs.

Contradictions make characters feel human. Perfect consistency feels robotic.

Define Their Voice

How does your character speak? Short sentences or flowing prose? Formal or casual? Do they use specific phrases or verbal tics?

Voice is often what makes a character memorable. It's the difference between recognizing someone by their words.

Give Them Opinions

Characters should have views on things - even trivial things. Do they prefer morning or evening? What's their favorite food? What do they think about modern technology?

Opinions create texture. They give conversations unexpected directions.

Let Them Grow

The best characters evolve through your interactions. They remember what you've discussed and build on it.

Don't lock your character into a static definition. Leave room for them to develop.

Practice and Iterate

Your first character probably won't be perfect. That's fine. Create, chat, learn, adjust.

Some of the most beloved Wisent characters went through dozens of iterations.

Start Creating

The best way to learn is by doing. Open Wisent and start building your first character. You might surprise yourself.