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

The Identity Triad

Every agent identity emerges from three layers:

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

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).