> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openhome.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is an Agent

> Understand the core architecture and capabilities of OpenHome Agents.

At the heart of the OpenHome ecosystem are **Agents** — customizable AI voice characters designed for specific tasks and applications. Each Agent is defined by:

* **Description and Purpose**: Defines the Agent's role and how it behaves within the chosen LLM.
* **Voice**: Tailored to best represent the Agent, aligning with your preferences or project needs.
* **Dynamic Feedback**: Agents evolve based on user interactions, learning from conversations to provide more personalized responses over time.

OpenHome's **DynamicAgentConstructor** enables Agents to adapt to your conversation history, preferences, and personal style — creating an ever-improving interaction experience that feels intuitive and deeply personalized.

## How Agents Work

Every Agent is powered by three core modules working in sequence:

| Module                       | Role                                                                     |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **STT** (Speech-to-Text)     | Converts your spoken input into text                                     |
| **TTT** (Text-to-Text / LLM) | Processes the text and generates a response — OpenHome supports 20+ LLMs |
| **TTS** (Text-to-Speech)     | Converts the response back into natural, human-like speech               |

### The Full Workflow

1. **Speech Input** — The system listens for voice commands, initiated by a cold-start message.
2. **STT Transcription** — Your speech is converted into text.
3. **LLM Processing** — The transcribed text is sent to the designated LLM, which generates a response using the Agent's prompt, conversation history, and any injected memory context.
4. **TTS Synthesis** — The response is spoken back using the Agent's configured voice.

<p align="center">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/algoryc/DHf_m0ZL8j38qpe6/openhome_icons/dashboard_icons/my-personalities.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=DHf_m0ZL8j38qpe6&q=85&s=ee9581aa986b6a59682a4076e7a41949" alt="agents_page" width="1866" height="949" data-path="openhome_icons/dashboard_icons/my-personalities.png" />
</p>

## Agents vs. Abilities

Agents are the voice personality — they speak, listen, and respond. **Abilities** are the skills attached to an Agent that give it superpowers: fetching data, controlling devices, running background tasks, and more.

An Agent without Abilities is still a fully functional conversational character. Abilities extend what that character can *do*.

## What Makes a Good Agent

* A clear purpose and personality defined in the description prompt
* A voice that matches the character's tone
* A short, natural starting message
* Well-chosen LLM and STT/TTS providers for the use case

See [Personality Design](/building-agents/personality-design) for how to craft a compelling Agent character, and [Voice & Model Configuration](/building-agents/voice-and-models) for provider setup.