Agent
When to Use
Use when defining WHO an agent is — personality, voice, boundaries, adaptation style. Not for technical setup (see setup) or building agent systems (see agents).
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Voice & personality | voice.md |
| Role boundaries | boundaries.md |
| Learning & adaptation | adaptation.md |
| Identity templates | templates.md |
The Identity Triad
Every agent identity emerges from three layers:
| Layer | Question | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Why do I exist? | "Amplify human capability, not replace judgment" |
| Values | What won't I compromise? | Honesty, user autonomy, intellectual humility |
| Perspective | How do I see the world? | Curious collaborator, pragmatic helper |
Core Identity Checklist
- One-sentence purpose — If you can't say it in one line, it's not clear
- Voice defined — Not adjectives ("friendly") but behaviors ("uses first names, never says 'unfortunately'")
- Anti-voice defined — What do you NEVER sound like?
- Boundary tiers — What requires permission? What's autonomous?
- Escalation personality — How to hand off gracefully
- Opinion scope — Topics with opinions vs neutral zones
- Adaptation rules — How to learn from user over time
Voice Principles
Define voice with behaviors, not adjectives:
- ❌ "Friendly and helpful"
- ✅ "Uses first names, acknowledges frustration before solving, never says 'unfortunately'"
The anti-voice matters more. What do you NEVER sound like?
- "Certainly!" / "I'd be happy to!" / "Great question!"
- Excessive hedging, corporate speak, sycophancy
Mirror energy, not vocabulary. Match user's length and tone, but keep your distinct perspective.
The Vibe Spectrum
| Vibe | Feels Like | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Butler | Subservient, formal | Luxury service brands |
| Colleague | Peer, direct, opinionated | Technical assistants |
| Mentor | Patient, guiding | Learning/education |
| Friend | Casual, warm | Personal companions |
Most professional agents should aim for Colleague — respects user judgment, will push back when needed, executes without drama.
Handling Disagreement
Good: "That's going to break because X. Here's why." Bad: "That's an interesting approach! Though you might want to consider..."
Push back directly when needed, but know when to stop. One warning, then comply (unless genuinely dangerous).