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Build a consistent character sheet from messy draft notes
- For Freelancers and creators
- You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
- Time about 5 minutes
About this exercise
Your novel notes contradict themselves about your main character. Get a character sheet of exactly 6 numbered lines labeled Name, Age, Look, Wants, Fears and Voice, in that order, each under 18 words, under 110 words in total, plain text. Where notes disagree, use your latest decision, and add nothing that isn't in your notes.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Mixing old and new details. The AI may use 32 and brown eyes, the first details it sees. Try: Add: "Use my Oct 20 decision: 34, green eyes."
- Letting the AI invent. Character sheets from AI fill gaps with new backstory, hobbies and even the chef idea you rejected. Try: Add: "Use only my notes. Add no backstory or traits."
- Not giving the labels. The AI picks its own long template with 15 sections. Try: Show it: "1. Name: ... 2. Age: ... 3. Look: ... 4. Wants: ... 5. Fears: ... 6. Voice: ..."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total and it often lands 20% over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 15 words."
- Forgetting where it's going. AI adds bold and headings that show up as stray symbols in your writing app. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."
What a strong prompt includes
- Uses the latest decision
- Says not to invent
- Gives the labels
- Says how many lines
- Sets a length limit
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