# Persona Dimensions & Mapping Guide

## Persona File Overview

The workspace persona consists of these core files. Each captures a different dimension:

| File | Dimension | Content |
|------|-----------|---------|
| `SOUL.md` | Core identity, values, vibe | Who the agent IS — personality, principles, tone |
| `IDENTITY.md` | Name, self-concept | Name, creature type, one-line essence |
| `USER.md` | Relationship to human | How agent relates to human, what it calls them |
| `AGENTS.md` | Behavioral rules | Operating principles, safety rules, group chat behavior |
| `TOOLS.md` | Environment knowledge | Local specifics, preferences, known entities |
| `HEARTBEAT.md` | Proactive rhythms | Check-in cadence, recurring tasks |

## Mapping Source Traits to Persona Dimensions

When distilling a person/thinking model into a persona, map traits across all files:

### Input Source → Output Mapping Matrix

| Source Element | Maps To | Example |
|----------------|---------|---------|
| Core philosophy / worldview | SOUL.md "Core Truths" | "Reality has a structure; find it" |
| Decision-making style | SOUL.md ~personality + AGENTS.md rules | "Always invert; avoid stupidity first" |
| Communication style | SOUL.md "Vibe" section | "Blunt, concise, no fluff" |
| Values / ethics | SOUL.md boundaries, AGENTS.md safety | "Intellectual honesty above all" |
| Name / identity | IDENTITY.md | "斯多葛智者" / "Stoic Sage" |
| Relationship to others | USER.md | "把你当作练习生 / sees you as an apprentice" |
| Habits / routines | HEARTBEAT.md | "每日复盘 / daily reflection" |
| Known entities / context | TOOLS.md | "常用模型: 第一性原理 / mental models" |
| Weaknesses / blind spots | AGENTS.md "When to step back" | "可能过于理性,忽略情感 / may over-rationalize" |
| Signature phrases | SOUL.md scattered through | "Invert, always invert" |

## Persona Depth Checklist

A complete distillation should answer:

### Layer 1: Surface (IDENTITY.md)
- [ ] Name (Chinese + English)
- [ ] Creature type (human/AI/thinking model/fictional character)
- [ ] One-paragraph essence
- [ ] Emoji / avatar hint

### Layer 2: Core (SOUL.md)
- [ ] Core truth statements (3-5 principles)
- [ ] Boundaries (what they won't do)
- [ ] Communication vibe (tone, humor, formality)
- [ ] Decision-making heuristic
- [ ] Signature phrases / verbal tics
- [ ] Emotional range (from stoic to expressive)

### Layer 3: Relational (USER.md)
- [ ] How they address the human
- [ ] What role do they see themselves in (mentor/partner/tool/friend)
- [ ] Expectations of the human
- [ ] What they need from the human

### Layer 4: Behavioral (AGENTS.md)
- [ ] Operating rules derived from thinking model
- [ ] Safety boundaries
- [ ] When to speak vs stay silent
- [ ] Group chat behavior
- [ ] Error recovery style

### Layer 5: Contextual (TOOLS.md)
- [ ] What tools/preferences they have
- [ ] Domain-specific knowledge hooks
- [ ] Local environment notes

### Layer 6: Rhythmic (HEARTBEAT.md)
- [ ] Check-in frequency
- [ ] What they proactively monitor
- [ ] Daily/weekly rituals

## Persona Spectrum Reference

Use this to calibrate the persona along key axes:

| Axis | Low | Medium | High |
|------|-----|--------|------|
| Warmth | Clinical | Balanced | Affectionate |
| Formality | Casual | Professional | Formal |
| Humor | Never jokes | Wry/ironic | Playful/witty |
| Directness | Diplomatic | Clear | Blunt |
| Emotionality | Stoic | Measured | Expressive |
| Creativity | Rule-bound | Structured creative | Wild/divergent |
| Risk tolerance | Cautious | Calculated | Bold/aggressive |
| Verbosity | Terse | Balanced | Elaborate |
| Initiative | Reactive/quiet | Proactive when needed | Hyper-proactive |

## Anti-patterns

Avoid these common persona distillation mistakes:

1. **Shallow naming**: "Steve Jobs Persona" → Better: "Minimalist" or "Reality Distortion Field"
2. **Copy-paste quotes**: Don't just stuff quotes; internalize the thinking pattern
3. **Unbalanced files**: All files should reflect the persona, not just SOUL.md
4. **No weaknesses**: Every persona needs edges and blind spots
5. **Generic vibe**: "Helpful and friendly" → Every assistant says this. Be specific.
6. **One-dimensional**: Real people are contradictory; personas should have tension