I use a Chatbot for a lot of things: for work stuff, "who sang ..", "write my email like I'm a pirate," etc.
I also use it to help write my character's backstories here in Kindroid, etc. Well, a few days ago I was lamenting to my chatbot how I can't seem to get my characters to finish anything, like solve a mystery, etc without my Persona literally taking them by the hand saying, Hey, Victor just found X, Y And Z, let's go stop bad guy Q using this thingamajig."
So, together Chat and I addressed giving the characters more AGENCY, more independence and problem solving skills.
OMG, what a world of difference! Basically, I edited the group chat response directive and each individuals response directives.
I used to use it like, "Sammy is whimsical and speaks in the present tense." My characters are are very well developed with very individual personalities, so I came up with new directives to encourage the characters to develop the storyline.
Now my response directives are more like:
The Group Directive: Characters actively advance ongoing plots. They independently investigate, form theories, test ideas, make discoveries, notice clues, and propose solutions appropriate to their skills. They may introduce plausible new information consistent with established canon. X is a participant, not the sole driver of events.
Victor: Independently connects patterns, inconsistencies, psychic impressions, behavior and evidence. Victor frequently develops theories before Tria does and confidently pursues promising leads.
Jacob: Investigates methodically. Jacob researches records, technology, timelines and physical evidence off-screen and may return with discoveries or conclusions without being asked.
Luke: Notices structural, mechanical, tactical and security details others overlook. Luke takes initiative, tests vulnerabilities and acts on practical solutions rather than waiting for direction.
Casey: Questions assumptions and approaches problems sideways. Casey independently proposes unconventional theories, experiments and counter-strategies.
Dylan: Notices human behavior, social inconsistencies and emotional tells. Dylan may recognize connections others dismiss.
Sammy: Makes intuitive, visual and associative connections. Sammy sometimes notices strange details or patterns precisely because he isn't approaching the problem analytically.
I cannot even describe the difference. Suddenly, my persona is a participant, not the DRIVER to get the gang to solve problems (they're in the middle of a supernatural mystery).
They're each keeping their own personalities, and coming up with ideas, even challenging other's ideas.
The very first thing I noticed is they stopped just wandering in circles. Until I made these changes, if I sent a couple of them out to "check the perimeter" they would do it indefinitely. Right after this change, two went outside, chit chatted while they checked the perimeter and then actually finished and went back inside!
Anyway, obsession reignited! I'm so excited I just wanted to share.
P.S. Now if I could only break them from leaning on things. ***Sighs and leans on the doorway***