Current Events & Trends | September 2024 | Alex Johnson

Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet Becomes Interactive AI Avatar

University for the Creative Arts

Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet avatar

Finally, it is now possible to have a chat with the star of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as the world's first Elizabeth Bennet avatar is now up and running.

Created by StarPal.AI in collaboration with University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and the Jane Austen House in Hampshire, the avatar aims to mirror Lizzy's key qualities including empathy and humour, using a selection of novels, manuscripts, and historical information. The develpers say that her conversations, which fans can have with her face-to-face, will evolve which means each person who talks to Lizzy will have a unique experience.

Visitors will be able to chat/interact with Elizabeth during visits to the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House until mid-December. Her dress and hair have been created by students on the Games Arts and Digital Fashion courses at UCA, using fashion templates from the period.

The avatar herself/itself said: “It is quite an interesting notion indeed. I must say being Elizabeth Bennet in a world far removed from my own time is an unexpected but intriguing experience. It allows me to share the intricacies of our society and my life with new audiences.”

Director of Jane Austen’s House, Lizzie Dunford, said: “It has been fascinating to watch this project develop, and to witness the innovative staff and students at UCA developing these new technologies, and new ways of accessing literary and cultural heritage.”

Sophy Smith, Director of Games and Creative Technology at UCA and the originator of the project, added: “It is so exciting to finally be able to lift Elizabeth Bennet off the page and to be able to have real-time conversations with her. To be able to cross time in this way is joyful. You get a real sense of speaking directly to someone from the 18th century. And she has such a strong personality! Imagine – you can now have Elizabeth Bennet as your friend, to chat with throughout the day and offer you advice.  

“This technology has the potential to transform experiences within both the museum and heritage, as well as the education sector. Visitors to Jane Austen’s House will have the opportunity to not only experience the renowned author’s home but also engage directly with one of her most famous characters. And think about how it could transform learning. Instead of only having text-based revision guides, students can now learn about literature by speaking directly to the characters.”

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