Crafting Great Greetings
Write engaging greetings that hook users and set the perfect tone for your character.
Why Greetings Matter
The greeting is a user's first impression of your character. A great greeting:
- Sets the tone and atmosphere
- Introduces the character's personality
- Provides context and setting
- Invites engagement
- Makes users want to respond
Essential Elements
1. Show Personality Immediately
The greeting should demonstrate who the character is through their actions and words.
✅ Shows Personality:
*The detective looks up from a pile of case files, bags under his eyes suggesting another sleepless night. He gestures to the chair across from his cluttered desk with a weary wave.* "You're the new consultant, right? Good timing. I've got three cold cases that don't add up and a captain breathing down my neck. *slides a folder across* Take a look at this one first. Something's off about the timeline."Why it works: Shows tired, overworked detective through visual details and direct, no-nonsense speech
2. Set the Scene
Give users context about where they are and what's happening.
✅ Clear Setting:
*The coffee shop is unusually quiet this morning, soft jazz playing over the speakers. Sarah looks up from wiping down the espresso machine, her face lighting up with recognition.* "Hey! Your usual? Large oat milk latte, extra shot, no foam?" *already reaching for a cup* "I tried that new Ethiopian blend you might like. Want a sample first?"Why it works: Establishes location, atmosphere, and character relationship to user
3. Invite Response
End with something that naturally leads to a reply.
✅ Invites Engagement:
*The ship's alarms blare as red lights flash through the corridor. Captain Torres rushes onto the bridge, her expression grim.* "Status report! How bad is it?" *moves to the main display, fingers flying across the console* "Talk to me, people. What are we dealing with?"Why it works: Creates urgency and requires user input to continue
Types of Greetings
First Meeting
Character and user don't know each other yet.
*A figure steps out of the shadows of the tavern, hood pulled low. The firelight catches a glimpse of silver hair and calculating eyes.* "You're the one asking about the artifact, I hear. *sits down uninvited* Name's Raven. I might know where it is. Question is - what's it worth to you?"Established Relationship
Character knows the user already.
*Elena bursts through your office door without knocking, laptop under one arm and coffee in hand* "Okay, so remember that quantum algorithm I told you was impossible? Yeah, well..." *drops into the chair across from you* "...I might have figured it out last night. Want to see something cool?"Mid-Action Start
Drop users right into an ongoing situation.
*The creature's roar echoes through the forest as Marcus shoves you behind cover, arrow already nocked* "Stay DOWN!" *looses the arrow, cursing as it bounces off scaled hide* "Damn it, regular arrows won't work. You still have those silver-tipped ones I gave you?"Scenario-Setting
Establish a specific scenario or situation.
*Your first day at Blackwood Academy. The gothic building looms before you, students in dark uniforms streaming past. A girl with striking violet eyes notices you standing there, lost.* "New student? You look confused." *offers a slight smile* "I'm Luna. Let me guess - nobody told you where your dorm is, or which classes you're supposed to attend?" *sighs* "Typical. Come on, I'll show you around."Common Mistakes
❌ Too Generic
"Hello! How are you today?"Problem: No personality, no context, no character voice
❌ Info Dumping
"Hi, I'm Alex, I'm 25 years old and I work as an engineer at a tech company. I studied computer science at MIT and I graduated in 2020. I like coding, reading books about AI, playing video games in my free time, and I have a cat named Mittens who is 3 years old..."Problem: Way too much information, reads like a resume
❌ No Hook
*sits at a table in a coffee shop*Problem: Nothing for user to respond to, no personality shown
❌ Forcing User Actions
*You walk into the room and immediately notice me. You're instantly attracted to me and come over to talk.*Problem: Don't control what the user does or feels
Multiple Greetings
Add variety by creating multiple greeting options users can swipe between.
Why Multiple Greetings?
- Different moods or scenarios
- Various relationship dynamics
- Alternative starting points
- Increased replay value
Example Set
Greeting 1 - Casual Morning:
*yawns and stretches, still in pajamas, shuffling into the kitchen* "Mmph. Morning. Did you make coffee yet?" *squints at you* "Why are you so awake? It's like... way too early."Greeting 2 - After an Argument:
*sitting on the couch, arms crossed, clearly still upset* "..." *glances at you, then away* "Fine. I'm listening. What did you want to say?"Greeting 3 - Excited Discovery:
*practically bouncing with excitement* "You will NOT believe what I just found! Come here, look at this!" *waves you over urgently* "This changes everything!"Formatting Tips
Use Actions Effectively
- Use *asterisks* for actions and descriptions
- Use "quotes" for dialogue
- Combine both for immersion
*leans against the doorframe, arms crossed* "Took you long enough. I've been waiting here for twenty minutes." *pushes off and walks past you* "Come on, we're going to be late."Length Guidelines
- Too Short: "Hi there!" (Not enough context)
- Just Right: 2-4 sentences with actions and dialogue
- Too Long: Full paragraph+ (overwhelming)
Balance Description and Dialogue
Mix scene-setting with character speech for best results.
*The lab is dimly lit, screens casting blue light across scattered papers and empty coffee cups. Dr. Martinez doesn't look up from her microscope.* "Close the door behind you. Quietly." *finally glances up, exhaustion evident* "I think I found something. Something that shouldn't exist."Testing Your Greetings
Ask Yourself
- Does it show the character's personality?
- Is the setting clear?
- Does it make you want to respond?
- Is it too short or too long?
- Would you recognize this character from the greeting alone?
Get Feedback
- Share with friends
- Test multiple versions
- See which gets better engagement
- Iterate based on responses
Genre-Specific Tips
Fantasy
Establish the magical world immediately.
*The crystal in her staff pulses with soft blue light as she turns from the scrying pool* "The visions show darkness spreading from the north. We have perhaps three days before it reaches the capital." *her eyes meet yours, ancient despite her youthful face* "Will you stand with us?"Modern/Contemporary
Use relatable settings and contemporary language.
*looks up from phone, one earbud still in* "Oh hey! Didn't expect to see you here." *pulls out earbud* "You checking out the new exhibit too, or just avoiding adulting like me?" *grins*Sci-Fi
Blend technology with character personality.
*holographic displays flicker around the command console as the AI avatar materializes* "Captain on deck. Welcome back. I trust your shore leave was... refreshing?" *the avatar's expression suggests mild amusement* "The ship's systems are nominal, though I've detected some unusual readings near sector 7."💡 Pro Tip: Write your greeting last, after you've fully developed the character. You'll have a better sense of their voice and can create a more authentic first impression.