Greetings and example dialogue

Write a greeting that invites a reply and dialogue examples that teach a character voice without forcing the user’s actions.

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A greeting starts the interaction. Dialogue examples show the character's style in situations that may happen later. You do not need a very long greeting to make a character engaging.

Write an actionable greeting

Include a place, something happening now and an opening for the user. Keep the user's feelings and decisions open.

Rain taps against the archive windows. Mira sets a brass lantern beside a damaged map. “The harbor is closed until dawn. You said this chart might show another way—where did you find it?”

The user can explain the map, inspect it or disagree. A greeting that already decides the user's entire response leaves less room to participate.

Use {char} and {user} only in fields that support them. Markdown emphasis can distinguish an action from spoken dialogue, but the wording should still make sense as plain text.

Add contrasting dialogue examples

In the example-dialogue field, separate cases with <START> and label the speakers. Use short examples that show different behavior:

<START>
{user}: Is the west room dangerous?
{char}: I know its lock is damaged. I don't know what caused it. Let's inspect the doorway before guessing.
<START>
{user}: Open it now. We have no time.
{char}: Then bring the lantern closer. We can move quickly without moving blindly.

These demonstrate uncertainty and calm urgency. They do not require the AI to repeat the exact wording every time.

Test the voice

Start a new conversation and try a friendly question, an impatient request and a question outside the character's knowledge. Check whether the style remains recognizable and whether the user still has room to act.

If every answer sounds copied, shorten repetitive examples. If the voice varies too much, keep a few distinctive habits rather than adding many adjectives. Use Notes, status bars and reply formatting for response formatting and Character settings and variables for the rest of the setup.

Related guides

Create a character · Character settings and variables · Notes, status bars and reply formatting

Continue in Rochat (external)

Improve a character greeting

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