Activity 2.10: AI Character Evaluation Activity

~35-50 minutes

Learning Targets

I can evaluate AI-generated character descriptions and explain what makes human-crafted characters more authentic.

Context

Throughout this unit, you've created a character with psychological depth, backstory, motivation, and flaws. Now you'll critically evaluate AI-generated character writing to understand what AI can and can't do when it comes to character creation.

Directions

  1. Read the two character descriptions below. One was generated by AI. One was written by a student who completed this unit.
  2. For each description, analyze: Does the character feel like a real person or a type? Is the backstory specific or generic? Does the flaw create genuine tension or just check a box? Are the details precise and surprising, or predictable?
  3. Write a 200–300 word comparison that identifies which description was AI-generated and which was human-written. Support your answer with at least 3 specific textual details.
  4. Conclude with a paragraph answering: What can AI do well when it comes to character creation? What can't it do? Why does that matter for writers?

Character Descriptions

Description A

[Teacher will provide Description A — approximately 200 words. Generate an AI character description using a prompt like "Create a D&D character backstory for a rogue with a troubled past." The result will likely be competent but predictable.]

Replace this placeholder with an AI-generated character description that demonstrates technical competence but lacks authentic voice, specificity, or genuine emotional depth.

Description B

[Teacher will provide Description B — approximately 200 words. Select a strong student example from a previous term (with permission) that shows specific voice, authentic emotional detail, and genuine craft.]

Replace this placeholder with a strong student example that shows authentic voice, unexpected specificity, and genuine emotional craft.

Analysis Questions to Address

  1. Which description was AI-generated? What specific details gave it away?
  2. What does Description A do well? What does it lack?
  3. What does Description B do well? What makes it feel more authentic?
  4. What can AI do competently in character creation? What requires human creativity?

Sentence Frames

"I believe Description ___ was AI-generated because ___."
"Description ___ feels more authentic because the detail of ___ is ___."
"AI can ___ effectively, but it struggles with ___ because ___."
"Human-written character work matters because ___."
Important Note on AI Use

Do not use AI to write your comparison or analysis. The whole point is YOUR critical evaluation of AI capabilities. This is your chance to demonstrate what you understand about character creation that AI cannot replicate.

Your Comparison and Analysis

Write your response (200–300 words minimum). Address all four analysis questions above, supporting your claims with at least 3 specific textual details. Include a concluding paragraph about what AI can and cannot do in character work, and why that matters for writers.

What's Next

Unit 2 Reflection