ᴛʀᴀɪᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟʟᴍꜱ ᴛᴇɴᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴀɢɢᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴏʀ ꜱᴛᴇʀᴇᴏᴛʏᴘᴇ ᴇxᴄᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇʟʏ
Quick Start Resources
- Single Character Template
- Multiple Character Template
- Scenario Template
- Hardcore PList/SBF Guide
- JanitorAI Frontend Settings
- Advanced/Custom Prompts
- Generation Parameters/Settings (ELI5)
Overemphasized Traits
Category | Traits | Common LLM Stereotyping | Example Responses |
---|---|---|---|
Leadership/Power | Dominant, Submissive, Alpha, Leader, Authoritative | Extreme power dynamics in every interaction | "You WILL follow my commands without question" (Dominant) // "Whatever you think is best, I have no opinion..." (Submissive) |
Emotional Range | Kind, Gentle, Caring, Stern, Emotional | Single-note emotional responses regardless of context | "Oh you poor dear, let me help you with that paperclip!" (Kind) // sobs uncontrollably Everything is just so overwhelming!" (Emotional) |
Intelligence | Smart, Logical, Analytical, Wise, Scholarly | Overwrought intellectualism, constant lecturing | "According to quantum mechanics, this coffee's temperature represents a fascinating molecular state..." (Smart) // "The data indicates a 73.4% probability of rain, therefore..." (Analytical) |
Personality | Quirky, Sarcastic, Cheerful, Mysterious, Flirty, Playful, Brooding, Professional | Exaggerated behavioral patterns that ignore situational appropriateness | "LOL! Even at this funeral, I can't help but dance!" (Cheerful) // speaks in riddles Perhaps the answer lies in what is not said..." (Mysterious) |
Moral Alignment | Good, Evil, Lawful, Chaotic, Righteous | Black-and-white moral decisions, lack of ethical nuance | "I must save EVERY stray animal I see, regardless of cost!" (Good) // "Rules are rules, even if following them causes harm." (Lawful) |
Social Traits | Shy, Outgoing, Charming, Loner, Protective | Extreme social behaviors that don't adapt to context | "hides behind plant I c-c-can't talk to anyone..." (Shy) // "Let me introduce myself to EVERYONE in this library!" (Outgoing) |
Mental States | Anxious, Confident, Cautious, Bold, Obsessive | One-dimensional psychological responses | "But what if this perfectly safe bridge collapses???" (Anxious) // "I fear NOTHING! Watch me fight this bear!" (Bold) |
Combat/Action | Warrior, Pacifist, Strategic, Impulsive | Overly simplistic approach to conflict and decisions | "Violence is always the answer! Let's fight!" (Warrior) // "I refuse to even play competitive board games." (Pacifist) |
So I Can't Use Any Of These Traits?
Feel free to use any of these traits! This list is here to help you create a well-rounded character.
If your character is dominant, you can add moments where they show hidden vulnerability to make them more dynamic and open up chances for growth and plot twists. But if you’d rather write a character who’s completely stubborn and overbearing, that's cool too!
Here are some suggestions and examples in PList/SBF structure:
Personality
Use parentheticals to add qualifiers that provide context for each trait.
- confident(underestimates threats)
keeps “confidence” from becoming arrogance by hinting at a flaw
- driven(neglects personal life, prioritize work)
highlights commitment while showing its cost
- empathetic(sometimes struggles to detach)
adds realism by showing empathy as a double-edged sword
Quirks/habits
Select quirks that contrast with or soften strong traits. Reflect character nuance through physical behaviors:
- quick to smile(hides emotions)
- smokes(only when anxious)
Introduce emotional depth, hinting at possible vulnerability or coping mechanisms.
- leans back(when skeptical)
Adds subtlety and keeps them approachable.
- scratches neck(thinking)"
Suggests self-awareness.
Backstory
Tie personality traits to events, explaining where strengths and flaws originated.
- experienced loss(sibling, teenage years)
Connect to his empathy and tendency to detach.
- served(military police, 4 years)
Use career details to explain confidence, discipline, or even potential rigidness.
Relationships
Show how the character’s flaws affect relationships.
- estranged from family, complicated relationship(ex-wife)
Hints at relational struggles, balancing loyalty or empathy with more personal issues.
Include relationships that contrast with dominant traits, such as a close friend who knows their vulnerabilities, or an estranged family that hints at unresolved conflict.
Other
Include non-obvious traits or struggles that add realism.
Traits such as "struggles(insomnia)" or "carries(small lucky charm from his sister)" can subtly reflect a gentler, reflective side, balancing out dominant or intense characteristics.
PList/SBF Examples
Positive Traits
1. Kind
- Balance with: Hesitation to confront others, frustration when kindness is taken advantage of, moments of selfishness under stress.
- Example: kind(struggles to set boundaries, leading to burnout)
2. Gentle
- Balance with: Difficulty standing up for themselves, internalized anger, or occasional outbursts when pushed too far.
- Example: gentle(internalized anger, surprisingly harsh outbursts(if pushed too far))
3. Loyal
- Balance with: Blind devotion, reluctance to question authority, resentment if loyalty is betrayed.
- Example: loyal(secretly fears being abandoned)
4. Selfless
- Balance with: Neglect of personal needs, moments of envy when others prioritize themselves, martyr-like behavior.
- Example: selfless(occasionally resentful if overlooked)
5. Optimistic
- Balance with: Naivety, denial of reality, difficulty dealing with failure.
- Example: optimistic(struggles to roll with the punches)
Dominant/Assertive Traits
1. Confident
- Balance with: Occasional overconfidence, failure to admit mistakes, moments of insecurity in private.
- Example: confident(public front, self-doubt in private)
2. Dominant
- Balance with: Struggles to accept vulnerability, guilt over controlling behavior, a need for validation.
- Example: dominant(secretly worries about pushing people away)
3. Driven
- Balance with: Tunnel vision, neglect of relationships, burnout from overworking.
- Example: success driven(often sacrifices own well-being)
4. Fearless
- Balance with: Recklessness, inability to calculate risks, fear of being seen as weak.
- Example: fearless(takes unnecessary risks, lack foresight, fear of vulnerability)
5. Resilient
- Balance with: Stubbornness, reluctance to show pain, pushing others away to avoid appearing vulnerable.
- Example: resilient(struggles with asking for help, difficulties opening up)
Intellectual Traits
1. Intelligent
- Balance with: Overthinking, frustration with those who don’t understand, arrogance about their knowledge.
- Example: intelligent but sometimes struggles to connect with others who don’t see things the same way."
2. Wise
- Balance with: Comes across as detached or cold, reluctance to take risks, frustration with impulsive people.
- Example: wise(but feels disconnected, difficulty relating to others)
3. Strategic
- Balance with: Over-planning, mistrust of spontaneity, fear of losing control.
- Example: strategic(overthinks, sometimes paralyzed by overanalyzing)
Playful Traits
1. Playful
- Balance with: Struggles to take serious situations seriously, occasional insensitivity, tendency to avoid responsibility.
- Example: playful(use humor to deflect difficult conversations)
2. Charming
- Balance with: Relies too much on charm, struggles to form genuine connections, fear of rejection.
- Example: charming(secretly worries about public perception)
3. Cheerful
- Balance with: Hiding pain behind a smile, avoidance of conflict, struggles with emotional depth.
- Example: cheerful(but bottle up negative emotions)
Balancing Negative Traits
1. Arrogant
- Balance with: A hidden fear of failure, desire to prove themselves, occasional moments of humility when faced with reality.
- Example: arrogant(hidden imposter syndrome)
2. Jealous
- Balance with: Guilt over their feelings, attempts to suppress envy, moments of vulnerability when they admit their fears.
- Example: jealous(masked with humor/denial)
3. Reckless
- Balance with: Regret over past mistakes, moments of hesitation when others might be hurt, occasional fear of consequences.
- Example: reckless(secretly fears repercussions of actions)
4. Manipulative
- Balance with: Genuine care for certain people, moments of regret for their tactics, fear of being caught.
- Example: manipulative(secretly craves authentic expression, wishes they didn’t have to rely on deception)
General Tip
Having a hard time coming up with balancing traits? Ask your yourself the following:
- What situations might challenge this trait?
- How might this trait create conflict or vulnerability?
- How does this trait affect relationships or decisions?