We spoke to a famous Jane Austen character
Yes... you read that right. The avatar of Elizabeth Bennet is designed to have conversations with visitors to the museum .
Last updated 26th Sep 2024
An AI version of the Pride and Prejudice character Elizabeth Bennet has been unveiled at Jane Austen's House in mid-Hampshire.
The avatar is designed to have conversations with visitors to the museum at Chawton near Alton.
The conversations can range from discussions about the book, her character, her family and love interest Mr Darcy, but it is also possible to speak about things that are not related to the book... like her favourite food.
Elizabeth Bennet, or "Lizzy", said "I have indeed enjoyed speaking with people. Engaging in conversations and sharing stories is always a pleasure."
It has been developed by the University For The Creative Arts in Farnham, in collaboration with an AI company called StarPal.
Museum director Lizzie Dunford said: "It's been a really exciting project and really fascinating to watch it develop. We've worked with UCA Farnham for the last few months, to bring one of the most beloved characters, not just in English Literature but as part of cultural heritage she stretches across the world, to be able to bring her digital life has been a really interesting project."
Lizzie Dunford added that Hampshire played a huge role in Austen's life:
"Hampshire is vital to Austen's writing. Every single one of her novels is written, and drafted and comes to completion actually from within this house.
"It's one of the most important places in the entire history of English Literature."
Andy Bossom is the Industry Engagement Lead for Games and Creative Technology for the University For The Creative Arts in Farnham.
"We've got amazing connections and relationships with various areas of the creative industries. How we design our curriculum is very much based on delivering life projects, getting students to work with games companies, creative tech companies and other partners like Jane Austen's House.
"It's been a fantastic opportunity for our students... to produce this new and innovative work."
Fans will be able to speak to the avatar from now until mid-December.
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