> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/getting-started.md).

# Start your first character chat

Find a character, choose your identity, send a clear first message and continue your first Rochat conversation.

Read this guide in: [English](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/getting-started) · [繁體中文](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_zh/getting-started) · [日本語](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_ja/getting-started) · [Español](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_es/getting-started) · [한국어](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_kor/getting-started)

Start a Rochat chat by opening a character, reading the greeting and sending a message. You do not need to create a character first.

## Start a conversation

1. Open [Rochat](https://rochat.ai/rochat) and sign in when prompted. Use the same sign-in method you use on your other devices.
2. Open **Explore** and select a character that interests you. Read its description so you know the setting and intended interaction.
3. Open the character's chat. Read the greeting: it often establishes where you are and what has just happened.
4. If you want a specific identity, select or create a Persona. Otherwise, begin with a short introduction in your message.
5. Check the selected model and any access or cost notice before sending. A model marked as paid or points-based can have different requirements from another model.
6. Type one action or question, send it, and wait for the response before sending another message.

<figure><img src="https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4aMKN1uyxi8aJ6oPNmVQ%2Fuploads%2FusO4rEztPKVmp3OZIp3Q%2Fen-chat-composer.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=8092b87a-e6fa-475c-8f83-80f1e3b4a3c8" alt="Chat message field and send button"><figcaption><p>Write your message, then use the send button on the right.</p></figcaption></figure>

For example, in a fictional archive scene:

> I'm Rowan, an adult mapmaker looking for a missing coastal chart. I place an unsigned letter on the desk. “Mira, have you seen this seal before?”

This gives the character a name, a goal and an immediate action to respond to. You can describe an action in plain text; elaborate formatting is optional.

## Keep the conversation moving

Respond to one detail in the reply. If the character asks what you want, state a concrete next step: “Let's examine the seal under the lamp.” If the reply takes the story in an unwanted direction, clarify the situation or use the available message controls described in [Chat controls](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/chat-controls).

A Persona describes you; it does not replace the character's settings. Memory records useful conversation information, while a Lorebook supplies reusable setting details. You can add those after you are comfortable chatting.

## If the first reply does not arrive

Check for a sign-in request, membership prompt, points warning or network error. Avoid tapping send repeatedly while a response is loading. Record the error and model name if the problem continues; follow [Troubleshoot character chats](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/about-rochat/faq/frequently-asked-questions).

## Related guides

[Sign in and use the same account](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/sign-in-and-sync) · [Find characters and creators](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/discover) · [Chat controls](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/chat-controls) · [Create and switch your Persona](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/how-to-create-persona-on-rochat) · [Troubleshoot character chats](https://book.rochat.ai/rochat_book_en/about-rochat/faq/frequently-asked-questions)

## Continue in Rochat (external)

[Find a character](https://rochat.ai/explore)

***

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