A useful opening is specific, not long
A setting tells the character where the story is happening. A role tells it how you belong there. An immediate goal gives the exchange momentum. You do not need a complete novel before the first reply.
For example: you are an archivist meeting a cartographer after a map has disappeared. Explain what your character wants to know, then ask the cartographer a question. That gives both sides an active role instead of asking the AI to invent every detail.
Separate dialogue from actions
Write spoken lines normally and distinguish actions with the formatting you prefer. Keep perspective consistent: changing between first and third person in every message can make it harder to tell who is acting.
You can state a boundary or a style preference directly. Ask for a slower pace, shorter dialogue, or less narration when that suits the scene. Give the character a concrete alternative rather than only saying that the last response was wrong.
Keep an ongoing plot coherent
A short recap at a scene change can prevent confusion about time, location, or an unresolved objective. Store durable world facts in a Lorebook and keep changing story facts separate from a character's core personality.
When you want game-like consequences, a Rulebook can track story state. When you only want a conversation, you do not need to add meters or rules. Choose the tools that help the particular story, rather than turning every chat into a complex setup.
Questions
Can I use SpicyChat for an AI girlfriend or boyfriend story?
You can choose or create an adult fictional partner and establish the relationship in the scene. An AI companion is a fictional interaction, not a real person's consent, identity, or commitment.
Do I need to follow a prewritten plot?
No. A greeting provides a starting situation, but your replies can introduce choices and new events. A clear character definition helps keep those changes consistent.