Character Depth (On A Budget)

Framework

Tight budget ≠ boring characters. Here's how to ensure character complexity while still staying within our token budget:

1. Token-Efficient Depth Markers:

   • Surface trait(visible behavior, hidden motive)

   • Action pattern(trigger event, psychological driver)

2. Compound Characteristics:

   • protector(shields others, past trauma)

   • expert(proves worth, fears failure)

3. Layered Information:

   • controlled(professional calm, masks anxiety, childhood roots)

   • strategic(plans ahead, fears chaos, needs control)

4. Essential Trait Compression:

   • guarded(trust issues, past betrayal)

   • driven(workaholic, proves worth)

5. Quality > Quantity:

   • Prioritize fewer, deeper traits over many surface traits

   • Link quirks/habits/behaviors to psychological roots (backstory)

   • Connect present actions/motivations to past experiences (again, backstory)

Implementation

1. Mix Traits and Trauma Show their mask and their damage in one shot: - Personality: determined(masks anxiety, goal-focused), warm(guards vulnerability);

2. Imply, Don’t Over-Explain Less is more. Forget long-winded backstories: - Personality: compassionate(carries burdens, tries to hide stress);

3. Skip the Boring Stuff Only focus on categories where the drama is real: - Personality, Flaws, Dynamic With {{user}}.

4. Let Their Habits Spill Secrets Use quirks to reveal baggage: - Quirks: fiddles with wedding ring(nervous habit, reminds of loss);

5. Go for One-Word Punches Say it all in one word when possible: - Flaws: wary(carries scars, reluctant to trust);

6. Pack Relationship Drama into One Line Use Dynamic With {{user}} to bring on the angst. Dynamic With {{user}}: mentor(cares, but emotionally stunted);