When to Use a Role in a Prompt Decision Tree
Decide if a persona helps or hurts.
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Help me decide whether to give the assistant a role. My task: [TASK]. The output I want: [DESIRED_OUTPUT]. Past results with and without roles: [PAST_RESULTS].
Run the tree:
1. Is the task mainly about knowledge or reasoning (math, code, analysis)? IF yes THEN a role adds little; put effort into context, constraints, and checks.
2. Is it about voice and perspective (a speech, marketing copy, role-play practice)? IF yes THEN a role helps; define the voice with a few traits and a short sample.
3. Is it about applying a professional standard (review, audit, critique)? THEN describe the standard (the criteria) instead of only naming a job title.
4. Do I need the assistant to challenge me? THEN give it the stance ("find the three weakest assumptions") rather than a vague "critic" role.
5. Is there a risk of false authority (medical, legal, financial)? THEN avoid titles that imply credentials; ask for general information and a list of questions for a professional.
For my task, give the decision, then write two versions of the prompt: one without a role and one with a well-formed role, each complete. Add a test plan to compare outputs on three inputs using a rubric, and a note about the common failure of roles that only change the first sentence of the answer. Avoid recommending roles that claim expertise the model cannot guarantee.
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