# Characters preview (not generally available)

Source: https://www.hyperagent.com/docs/guides/choose-and-change-a-character

> For AI agents: the documentation index is at https://www.hyperagent.com/llms.txt and the complete documentation in one file at https://www.hyperagent.com/llms-full.txt. Any docs page is also served as Markdown by appending `.md` to its URL.

Preview the upcoming Characters experience for choosing and changing an agent's portrait, voice, and reply style.

Characters is not generally available. This preview guide does not confirm access
for your account or announce a rollout. If **Character** is missing, this guide
cannot identify the cause; owning a workspace alone does not establish access.
You can still
[create an agent from a thread](https://www.hyperagent.com/docs/guides/turn-a-thread-into-an-agent)
or continue working with an existing agent.
Existing **Persona**, **Cast**, or **Re-cast** controls are not evidence that
this preview is available.

A character gives an agent a recognizable look, voice, and way of speaking. You can choose a character while hiring an agent or change an existing agent's character later. Its work instructions, tools, and permissions are configured separately.

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

When Character controls are present, you need permission to edit the agent. You can edit agents you own. For team-owned agents, owners and editors can make changes; members have run-only access. Ask a workspace owner to check your role if you need editing access.

Missing Character controls alone do not identify the cause; owning a workspace alone does not establish access to this preview.

A character marked **Set by** followed by a team's name is managed by that team. Ask the team to change the shared character rather than treating it as your own editable version.

## Choose a character for a new agent [#choose-a-character-for-a-new-agent]

### Describe the agent's job [#describe-the-agents-job]

Open **Agents** and choose **New agent**, or **New → New agent** from the roster menu. In **Hire an agent**, describe the role and responsibilities you want help with, then choose **Find my agent**.

### Choose a candidate and review the offer [#choose-a-candidate-and-review-the-offer]

Review the candidates and select one. Its look helps you recognize it, but the offer tells you what work it will do. Check its responsibilities and permissions before hiring. Choosing or adjusting a candidate does not hire the agent.

### Hire the agent and try a task [#hire-the-agent-and-try-a-task]

Choose **Sign · hire** followed by the candidate's name. Complete the setup for any connections the agent needs, then open a conversation and try a small task from its role. Check the work as well as how the agent communicates.

## Change an existing character [#change-an-existing-character]

### Open Character [#open-character]

Open the agent's page and choose **About → Character**, then **Edit character**. On a narrow screen, choose Character from **Section**. This edits the existing agent; it does not create another agent.

This preview guide does not confirm access for your account or announce a rollout. If **Character** is missing, this guide cannot identify the cause; owning a workspace alone does not establish access. Use existing controls for current tasks. Do not assume **Persona**, **Cast**, or **Re-cast** will make it appear.

### Preview the changes [#preview-the-changes]

Choose the part you want to change:

* **Portrait:** Describe a change in **Direction**, then choose **Preview look**. Use **Try another character** to explore a different identity while keeping the agent's work and access.
* **Voice & replies:** Choose a **Reply style**, add **Reply notes** for communication preferences, and select a **Spoken voice**. For example, ask for brief updates with the decision first.
* **Setting:** Edit **Setting description**, then choose **Preview setting** to adjust the scene around the character.

Previewing a portrait or listening to a voice does not save the choice. Reply style guides communication; the agent still follows its work instructions and the format you request.

### Apply and check the character [#apply-and-check-the-character]

Choose **Apply changes** to save and return to Character. Reopen **Edit character** to confirm the choices were kept. Start a new conversation to try the reply style with a small request.

Choose **Cancel** to leave without applying the draft. If applying fails, the editor keeps your changes and asks you to try again. Stay in the editor and retry before leaving the page.

## What’s next [#whats-next]

* [Configure the agent's work](https://www.hyperagent.com/docs/concepts/agents/configuration) to set its responsibilities, tools, and access.
* [Teach your agent how you work](https://www.hyperagent.com/docs/guides/teach-your-agent-how-you-work) to save methods it can use on future jobs.