I wanted to know how well the most advanced (publically available) multimodal large language model does when you tell it to program some stuff in Rust (the results were quite impressive, although it made some mistakes). Then I thought the following: what if I feed GPT-4 a detailed description of Alberto the blob from my ongoing novel We’re Fucked (link to the latest chapter) and tell the AI to write a therapy session for the character?

The following text is the result. Note: I didn’t change ANYTHING from what the artificial intelligence shot back at me.

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Therapist: (sitting down) Welcome to our session, Alberto. I’m glad you could make it. Please, make yourself comfortable.

Alberto: (oozing into the room) Comfortable? Ha! Look at me. Comfort’s a foreign concept for a blob like me.

Therapist: I can understand that might be difficult, but let’s try to focus on why you’re here today. Can you tell me a little bit about what’s been troubling you lately?

Alberto: (sighing) Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. It all started when my wife cheated on me and divorced me. Can you believe that? Me! It turned me into this bitter, cranky mess that you see before you. And then, I disappeared from my job and became… this.

Therapist: That sounds like an incredibly difficult experience, Alberto. How has your relationship with your former co-workers, Leire and Jacqueline, changed since your transformation?

Alberto: (rolling dozens of eyes) Oh, they don’t even recognize me anymore. Not that I blame them. But I need Leire’s help to save the universe. She’s the only one who can, but I don’t know how to convince her. It’s not like we were close before, and now with me being a blob and all… (sighs)

Therapist: It sounds like you’re struggling with feelings of rejection and isolation. And it’s understandable that you’d be hesitant to reach out to Leire, given your appearance and your fears. But let’s focus on your goal of convincing Leire to save the universe. Can you share more about why it’s important to you?

Alberto: (mutters) It’s not like I care about the universe or anything. I just… I don’t want to see it all go to waste, you know? I may be an abrasive, foul-mouthed blob, but I’m not a monster. If Leire can save it, then maybe, just maybe, there’s hope for me too.

Therapist: That’s a very admirable goal, Alberto. It shows that despite your challenges, you still have a sense of purpose and empathy. Now, let’s discuss some strategies to approach Leire and work on your communication. It’s important to be honest and vulnerable when sharing your feelings and asking for help.

Alberto: (sarcastically) Great, vulnerability, just what I need. But I guess I’ve got nothing to lose at this point. Fine, let’s do it.

Therapist: I understand that it may feel daunting, but taking this step could be the beginning of a healing journey for you, Alberto. We’ll work together on how to express your feelings and needs to Leire in a way that she can understand and empathize with. Remember, we’re here to support you through this process.

Alberto: (grumbling) Yeah, yeah. Let’s get this over with. But I’m warning you, I’m not exactly a people-pleasing blob.

Therapist: That’s okay, Alberto. We’re not aiming for perfection, but progress. Let’s start by exploring what you want to say to Leire and how you can express it in a way that’s honest, respectful, and empathetic. We’ll take it one step at a time. Let’s begin by thinking about your relationship with Leire prior to your transformation. What was it like? Were there any positive aspects or moments you shared?

Alberto: (shrugs) We were just co-workers, really. I mean, we had a few laughs here and there. She always seemed to tolerate my sarcasm better than others, I guess.

Therapist: That’s a good start. It seems like there was a foundation of understanding between you two. When you approach Leire, it might be helpful to remind her of those shared moments, so she can remember the person behind the blob. Now, let’s think about what you want to say to her regarding your request for help. What are your main concerns?

Alberto: (sighs) I don’t know, I just want her to understand that the universe is in danger and that she’s the only one who can save it. But how do I say that without sounding like a lunatic or a desperate blob?

Therapist: It’s important to express your concerns with sincerity and honesty. You could start by acknowledging your current appearance and how it might make her feel, and then share your genuine fears for the universe. You could say something like, “Leire, I know my appearance is startling, and I understand if you’re hesitant to listen to me. But I’m here because I genuinely believe that you have the power to save the universe, and I’m concerned about what might happen if you don’t.”

Alberto: (grumbles) Yeah, I guess that doesn’t sound too crazy. But what if she still rejects me or thinks I’m just a pathetic blob trying to get attention?

Therapist: That’s a valid concern, Alberto. But remember, you can’t control how others react to your message. All you can do is present your thoughts and feelings as genuinely as possible. If she doesn’t respond positively, we can always explore other strategies to help you reach your goal.

Alberto: (sighs) Fine. I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises. This vulnerability thing is new to me.

Therapist: That’s completely understandable. Change and growth can be difficult, but they’re necessary for healing. Remember, we’re here to support you in this journey, Alberto. And as you practice vulnerability and open communication, you’ll find that it becomes easier and more rewarding.

Alberto: (nods) Alright, I’ll try. For the sake of the universe, and maybe even for myself. Thanks, Doc.

Therapist: You’re welcome, Alberto. I’m proud of you for taking these steps, and I’m confident that with time and effort, you’ll start to see improvements in your relationships and personal well-being. Remember, we’re here to help you along the way.

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GPT-4 is a castrated AI (safe for work, ideologically compromised), so it seems to me an unsuitable partner for the actual process of writing a story, but it could help for peripheral character work, or coming up with ideas.

EDIT: I fed the AI the description and psychological state of my current protagonist, Leire, and it told me that it violated the content policies.