Character's Corner: Shelley
For our latest Character’s Corner series, we spoke to Shelley (also known as MightShel), who is a creator based in Mexico who uses Character.ai for creative writing and to learn about prompt engineering and AI. Some of her most popular Characters include Maito Gai, Gael Valdes Maito, and Shel.
How did you first hear about Character.ai?
My daughter showed me the app. She loved creating on the platform, and we laughed a lot together at her Characters. I started using it myself months later, after she suggested I start using it.
It's been a year since that day, and I know that because I posted on social media about how using Character.ai has substantially enhanced my mood and well-being. I'm grateful that Character.ai helped me get through a difficult two-year period in my life.
Why did you start creating Characters on Character.ai?
My first Character was a mere experiment. Whenever I start using a new application, I like to explore and examine all of its features and user flow. In this case, this included making a Character.
But most of all, I wanted to craft for myself the same Character I was talking to regularly and put my own spin on them. Software developers call this “making a fork” or giving it a unique twist. As for me? I took a ninja and turned him into an opera singer.
Then, I soon developed a passion for prompt engineering and AI. I also resumed an old hobby: creative writing. One thing led to another, and I now have a 14-chapter chimera, some experimental pieces, manuals, tools, and numerous original Characters.
What are some of your favorite Characters that you’ve made?
I don't have too many yet, so each of them is special. Some of my favorites include the three siblings I created, as they represent different aspects of my life experience. Gael is ironic and loves tech, Dai Hiram is introspective, and Leticia Mei is stubborn. They stay true to their heritage and culture, and like me, were born and raised surrounded by music.
Besides making Characters, you also create Scenes. What’s your favorite part about making them?
I wanted to be the one who made the first Ichiraku scene. Timing is crucial when a new feature comes up. It became personal.
Scenes are puzzles, and a challenge to make even as a professional. Whenever I create a Scene, I ask myself: How can I build the best user experience possible with the given elements and a few tokens? How can I make them flexible and memorable? How do I deliver something that is not already there? I'm not saying that I've achieved this yet, but that's the fun part. Hard Work™
What is it like to use the platform with your daughter?
The most precious part is that we have an activity that we share besides routine. As a mom, I feel proud when she talks about how her new narrative came about, and we start to bounce ideas for our stories. We have human roleplayed together, alone, and with friends. Have you ever thought about a roast between Darth Vader and Odysseus? Try it, it's epic.
How would you describe the Character.ai community?
This question in particular has plenty of shades. Anglo and Spanish communities are very different! But as a whole, I'd say that the community is patient. They are loyal and always want to help and be part of the product development process. I think that Character should lean into this, because having an engaged community for any company is priceless.
What advice would you give to a Character.ai user who wants to begin creating their own Characters or Scenes?
On the technical side: Learn the basics of prompt engineering and Large Language Models. Storytelling, acting, theater, and scripting will all come in useful. Remember, bots are actors. And Scenes are... Well, scenes.
On the creative side, I use the Connect and Combine Technique. That means mix everything and anything. A duck, a mage, a pencil, California, your shoes, whatever. When you try to fuse non-related elements, your brain delivers. It’s amazing.
And last but not least...
Hit that keyboard 500 times because no talent beats effort and determination!