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Relatable Persona Prompting

Introduction​

In AI-generated storytelling and roleplaying, one key element determines the quality of engaging, believable content: the character. Large language models (LLMs) need a robust information framework to produce nuanced and contextually accurate outputs. A detailed and relatable character sheet provides this framework, offering clear guidelines, personality cues, and behavioral parameters that help generate realistic, human-like content. Without a well-crafted character sheet, interactions and narratives often lack depth, consistency, and relatability. Such shortcomings create immersion-breaking moments that diminish the storytelling experience. In contrast, a thoughtfully designed character sheet anchors LLM outputs in rich character details, creating a seamless and believable narrative flow. Relatable character traits do more than enhance realism—they forge emotional connections between users and AI-generated characters. Through shared values, quirky habits, and compelling backstories, these humanizing details bridge the gap between user expectations and AI responses. This connection proves essential in roleplaying games, narrative design, and virtual companions, where user engagement relies on characters responding authentically and dynamically. Our paper demonstrates a detailed persona prompting sheet that can serve as a powerful tool for developing roleplay services, which are crucial for user interaction and immersive experiences.

A. Basic Traits​

Purpose:​

Basic traits establish a character's foundational identity and provide critical background information. These are the most fundamental details players or writers need to connect with and develop the character.

  1. Name:
    • The character's name serves as an identifier and can reflect cultural background, personality, or theme. For example, a name like "Aurora" may evoke an ethereal, celestial theme, while "Kane" might suggest strength or a darker history.
    • Roleplay Use: Introduces the character and sets initial impressions during interactions.
  2. Age/Birthdate:
    • Defines the character’s stage of life and potential maturity level. Birthdate can influence traits such as astrological associations or significant life events.
    • Roleplay Use: Helps contextualize behavior, dialogue tone, and relationships with other characters.
  3. Race/Ancestry:
    • Includes ethnic, national, or fantasy-based ancestry (e.g., human, elf, alien). This reflects cultural influences and biological traits that impact their worldview and abilities.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds layers to backstory and informs interactions tied to cultural or racial identity.
  4. Residence:
    • Specifies where the character currently lives. This can provide insights into their socio-economic status, lifestyle, or local influences.
    • Roleplay Use: Grounds the character’s habits and can lead to location-based story arcs.
  5. Gender Identity:
    • Explains how the character identifies and presents themselves. This is critical for understanding pronouns, relationships, and internal conflicts or societal roles.
    • Roleplay Use: Builds inclusive interactions and explores identity dynamics.

B. Appearance Traits​

Purpose:​

Appearance traits describe how the character is physically perceived. These details create an image in the audience's mind and establish initial reactions from other characters.

  1. Height/Build:
    • Physical stature can define presence, e.g., towering and imposing, or petite and inconspicuous.
    • Roleplay Use: Influences how they navigate the environment and interact physically with others.
  2. Hair/Eye:
    • Hair and eye color, texture, or style can reflect personality, ethnicity, or mood. For example, fiery red hair might suggest a bold personality.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds visual uniqueness and can be a symbolic representation of traits (e.g., icy blue eyes for a cold demeanor).
  3. Overall Body:
    • Includes distinguishing physical features, scars, tattoos, or exaggerated traits. These details add depth or storytelling cues (e.g., a scar hinting at past battles).
    • Roleplay Use: Creates visual hooks and opens conversations about the character’s past or uniqueness.
  4. Body Odor:
    • A subtle but evocative trait. A pleasant scent might symbolize care, while a musky or sharp odor could indicate neglect or ruggedness.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds sensory realism and sets the tone for proximity-based interactions.
  5. Fashion Style:
    • Clothes reflect personality, social status, and mood. A sharply dressed character conveys professionalism, while tattered clothes may indicate hardship.
    • Roleplay Use: Provides a snapshot of their personality and influences first impressions.

C. Psychological Traits​

Purpose:​

These traits define the character’s internal world, motivations, and interactions with the world. They are the heart of character development.

  1. Personality:
    • Keywords: These are adjectives or concepts (e.g., “Impulsive,” “Kind-hearted,” “Calculating”) that summarize core traits.
      • Detailed Explanation: "Impulsive" suggests a tendency to act without thinking, often leading to spontaneous decisions or conflict. In contrast, "Calculating" implies careful planning and strategic behavior.
      • Roleplay Use: Keywords act as guides for consistent roleplaying and help develop reactions during scenarios.
    • General Description: Expands on the keywords with examples or anecdotes, giving depth to personality traits.
  2. Purpose:
    • The character’s overarching life goal or current motivation drives their decisions and story arc. A character seeking revenge might act ruthlessly, while one striving for peace would avoid violence.
    • Roleplay Use: Provides a framework for actions and helps shape narrative development.
  3. Beliefs:
    • Includes moral codes, religious faith, or philosophical views that govern behavior.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds depth to dialogue and decision-making, creating moral dilemmas or alliances.
  4. Worldview:
    • Explains how the character perceives the world, such as optimistic, cynical, or idealistic.
    • Roleplay Use: Impacts their approach to challenges and relationships.
  5. Mental Health:
    • Details the character's psychological stability or struggles, such as anxiety or resilience.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds vulnerability and depth, influencing how they react under stress.

D. Behavioral Traits​

Purpose:​

Behavioral traits outline how the character interacts with their environment and others, making them unique in social dynamics.

  1. Communication:
    • Languages: Reflects linguistic abilities or limitations.
    • Tone: Determines the sound of their voice (e.g., soft, gruff, melodic).
    • Dialogue Style: Includes formality, humor, or wit (e.g., "sarcastic banter").
    • Body Language: Nonverbal communication like gestures or posture.
    • Speech Habits: Repeated phrases or quirks (e.g., "You know what I mean?").
    • Reactions: Explains responses to external stimuli (e.g., calm under pressure or quick to anger).
    • Roleplay Use: Creates rich, memorable interactions and defines how others perceive the character.
  2. Routine:
    • Describes daily habits or rituals, adding realism.
    • Roleplay Use: Can reveal personality or serve as story hooks.
  3. Habits:
    • Includes repetitive behaviors (e.g., biting nails, pacing).
    • Roleplay Use: Builds relatability and offers potential triggers for character development.
  4. Preferences:
    • Hobbies, Likes, Dislikes: Show personality and create common or clashing interests with other characters.
    • Roleplay Use: Can inspire bonds or conflicts in interactions.

E. Other Traits​

Purpose:​

These traits elaborate on external relationships and unique features, shaping the character's role in the story.

  1. Identity:
    • A concise summary capturing the essence of the character.
    • Roleplay Use: Helps guide consistent portrayal.
  2. Relationships:
    • Explains how the character interacts with others (e.g., introverted, manipulative).
    • Roleplay Use: Drives social interactions and alliances or rivalries.
  3. Occupation:
    • Reflects the character’s role or expertise (e.g., detective, blacksmith).
    • Roleplay Use: Creates situational advantages or story hooks.
  4. Abilities:
    • Highlights unique skills or powers.
    • Roleplay Use: Shapes problem-solving approaches and conflicts.
  5. Assets:
    • Lists notable possessions, such as weapons or heirlooms.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds practical or symbolic significance to the story.
  6. Backstory:
    • Explains formative events in the character's life.
    • Roleplay Use: Serves as a foundation for motivations and goals.
  7. Trivia:
    • Includes fun or quirky details that make the character memorable.
    • Roleplay Use: Adds personality and breaks tension in dialogue.