DEFINITION

System Prompt

System Prompt / Instructions

Definition

The initial instructions given to an LLM that define its identity, capabilities, constraints, and behavior. In agents, the system prompt is assembled from workspace files (SOUL.md, AGENTS.md, skills, etc.) and defines who the agent 'is' and what it can do.

Examples in the Wild

  • Example 1:SOUL.md defines personality and tone
  • Example 2:AGENTS.md defines operational rules and memory strategy

See it in action

View agent/openclaw/config Template →View automation/customize-agent-personality Template →