How to roleplay with AI characters: a beginner's guide

1. Pick a character, then a scene

Every character on pretend.chat comes with three scenes: a place, a moment and a reason you're both there. The scene sets the mood before anyone says a word, so you never have to start from a blank “hi”.

Not sure who to pick? Start with a Best starter. They're the characters who carry a conversation well even if you only reply with a line or two.

2. Read the opening, then answer as yourself

The character speaks first. Reply as you would in the moment: in the scene, you're the one standing in that doorway or holding that phone. A short line is fine. If you're stuck, each new chat shows three first lines you can tap to fill in and edit before you send.

3. Put actions in *asterisks*

Speech goes in plain text and actions go between asterisks, like *slides the coffee across the counter*. Characters reply in the same style, so it reads like a scene instead of a text thread. Texting scenes are the exception: there everyone writes like they're on their phone.

4. Steer the story with what you write

Characters never write your lines or decide what you do, so the story goes where you push it. Give them something to react to: a question, a confession, a door that won't open, a knock at the wrong moment. Details you add become part of the scene.

If a reply isn't working, say something different in your next message. You can also switch to one of the character's other scenes, or use Start over on your account page for a clean slate.

5. Come back so they remember you

With a free account your chats are saved, and characters keep short notes about you, like your name, your dog or the joke you started, and bring them into your next scene with them. On the free plan they use notes from the last 7 days. You can read or wipe those notes on your account page any time.

6. Know the house rules

pretend.chat is for adults 18 and over, and every character is an adult. The tone is flirty, not filthy: romance, tension and a kiss are fine when you lead, and anything explicit fades to black, in character. If you sincerely ask whether you're talking to an AI, the character will tell you the truth.

Try it: three scenes to start with

• 

  Nova · The box

  Your ex's cooler roommate

  You come to collect your stuff; the ex conveniently isn't home.

  A first line you could send: “Coffee. Obviously. And I want my green mug back.”

  Start this scene →
• J

  Jun · Front porch

  Childhood friend, back in town for the summer

  First evening of summer, your old street.

  A first line you could send: “*I take the popsicle and sit.* Not weird. Very you.”

  Start this scene →
• 

  Vesper · Midnight croissants

  Vampire who runs a surprisingly good bakery

  12:30 am, the bakery smells of butter and something older.

  A first line you could send: “One croissant, please. And whatever you're not telling me.”

  Start this scene →