ChatGPT Writes Murder

ChatGPT writes murder! Murder, ChatGPT wrote! But seriously, if you’ve been on the internet lately, you might have noticed ChatGPT (OpenAI‘s interactive AI chat system) can do pretty much everything. Now Microsoft has invested $10 million or something, sorry, $10 billion, so the hype is sure to die down. But in the meantime, what can ChatGPT actually do in terms of creative prose fiction? Can it write a story based on a simple prompt and, if so how good is that story? Let’s take a quick look.

Contents

Is ChatGPT a Threat to Writers?
- - Pros of ChatGPT for Murder Mystery Writers
  - Cons of ChatGPT for Murder Mystery Writers

ChatGPT Writes Murder–New York Gothic?

I thought I’d start with a prompt vaguely related to a book I’m supposed to be writing in 2023, I mean, that I’ll definitely be writing in 2023. It’s about a murder in New York by aliens, kinda, but let’s start with the basics.

PROMPT (ME): A man is murdered in New York, found stabbed, with the doors of his apartment locked. Come up with a story for how he was killed.

ChatGPT: It was a dark and stormy night in New York City when a man was found brutally murdered in his apartment. The victim, a young businessman named John, had been stabbed multiple times and left for dead in his locked apartment.

According to the police, the victim’s neighbors reported hearing loud noises coming from John’s apartment earlier in the evening, but they thought nothing of it and assumed it was just the sound of the storm outside. It wasn’t until the next morning when John failed to show up for work that his colleagues became concerned and contacted the police.

When the police arrived at John’s apartment, they found the door locked from the inside and no sign of forced entry. They immediately suspected someone close to the victim, such as a family member or a friend.

The investigation led detectives to John’s ex-girlfriend, Sarah. She had a strong motive as John had recently broken up with her and she couldn’t accept it. It was also discovered that Sarah had been seen at the victim’s building on the night of the murder and her fingerprints were found on the murder weapon.

Further investigation revealed that Sarah had been stalking John for weeks and had even threatened him with violence. She had planned the murder carefully and had used a spare key to gain access to the victim’s apartment. Once inside, she had confronted John about getting back together and when he refused, she flew into a rage and stabbed him multiple times.

After the murder, Sarah had locked the doors from the inside to make it look like the killer was still inside and had fled the scene. She was arrested and charged with murder.

It was a tragic ending to a life cut short by a love gone wrong. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of obsession and the importance of getting help when dealing with difficult emotions.

So? Okay, so, that’s pretty bad. Tropes and cliches galore, every element pulled from some other bit of writing ChatGPT was trained on, and at least one factual absurdity (“the killer was still inside and had fled”) that’s laughably stupid. On the other hand, it wrote something nominally original from scratch is less than 30 seconds.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Gender Flip

For the next step, let’s try reversing the genders of the victim and killer, and changing one other plot element, to see how ChatGPT maintains continuity while making adjustments (as you presumably would if you wanted it to write and then continually modify a real story until it got it right).

ME: Please rewrite this story with a female victim and male killer, updating accordingly, and assuming the killer did NOT have a spare key.

ChatGPT: It was a dark and stormy night in New York City when a woman was found brutally murdered in her apartment. The victim, a young businesswoman named Jane, had been stabbed multiple times and left for dead in her locked apartment.

According to the police, the victim’s neighbors reported hearing loud noises coming from Jane’s apartment earlier in the evening, but they thought nothing of it and assumed it was just the sound of the storm outside. It wasn’t until the next morning when Jane failed to show up for work that her colleagues became concerned and contacted the police.

When the police arrived at Jane’s apartment, they found the door locked from the inside and no sign of forced entry. They immediately suspected someone close to the victim, such as a family member or a friend.

The investigation led detectives to Jane’s ex-boyfriend, Michael. He had a strong motive as Jane had recently broken up with him and he couldn’t accept it. It was also discovered that Michael had been seen at the victim’s building on the night of the murder and his fingerprints were found on the murder weapon.

Further investigation revealed that Michael had been stalking Jane for weeks and had even threatened her with violence. He had planned the murder carefully and had used a broken window to gain access to the victim’s apartment. Once inside, he confronted Jane about getting back together and when she refused, he flew into a rage and stabbed her multiple times.

After the murder, Michael locked the doors from the inside to make it look like the killer was still inside and had fled the scene. He was arrested and charged with murder. It was a tragic ending to a life cut short by a love gone wrong. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of obsession and the importance of getting help when dealing with difficult emotions.

So? Not much better. It did the switch and change from key to window without any trouble, and just a few seconds, but now there are two factual problems: (1) fleeing while being inside and (2) having the window broken but not sign of forced entry (but then, maybe the window was broken first?). Basically, a very amateur, flawed and unoriginal story. Which is good–maybe human writers have a few years before we’re flooded with AI fiction.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Cliches?

Now, let’s see if ChatGPT is aware of any of its flaw…

ME: Why did you start with, “It was a dark and stormy night?”

ChatGPT: “It was a dark and stormy night” is a phrase commonly used in literature and storytelling to set a mysterious, ominous tone for the events that are about to unfold. It’s a cliche phrase used for dramatic effect. It’s often used to establish a sense of foreboding and to create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The phrase is often used as an opening sentence, to make the reader feel like something bad is going to happen in the story.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Cliches!

Okay, but really?

ME: Do you understand that it is so cliched it appears ironic or foolish?

ChatGPT: Yes, I understand that the phrase “It was a dark and stormy night” is often considered a cliche, and that it can be perceived as ironic or even foolish in certain contexts. It is often used in fiction, especially in older and more melodramatic works, to create an atmosphere of mystery and danger. However, in contemporary literature and media, it can be seen as a sign of poor writing and lack of originality. It’s up to the writer to decide if they want to use it or not, but it’s important to be aware of the connotations it might have.

So? Fair enough, but odd. Why use cliches if it knows they’re problematic. I’ll come back to this. First, let’s see how it does with a different prompt.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Slice by Slice

This prompt relates more closely to a specific scene in my allegedly forthcoming book. I don’t expect a great story, but I’m curious how ChatGPT can “creatively” reach a specified outcome. The body was found this way, in a little more detail than before, but how did it get there? This might help with some brainstorming or blocks during the writing process, even if it’s not great writing (yet).

ME: A boy is found murdered in the same city. His body has been cut into a hundred precise slices, but there is very little blood and he is found dead in his home. Write a story about how he was killed.

ChatGPT: It was a cold and gloomy morning in New York City when a boy was found brutally murdered in his home. The victim, a young high school student named Jack, had been sliced into a hundred precise pieces and left for dead in his bedroom.

According to the police, the boy’s parents reported finding him dead when they returned home from work, they were shocked and devastated. They immediately called the police and emergency services.

When the police arrived at the scene, they found the boy’s body arranged in a gruesome pattern on his bed. He had been cut into a hundred precise slices, but there was very little blood on the scene. The room was locked from the inside and there was no sign of forced entry.

The investigation led detectives to believe that the killer must have had a medical background, or at least have had a knowledge of anatomy. The cuts on the boy’s body were made with surgical precision and the killer seemed to have known what they were doing.

Further investigation revealed that Jack had been bullied at school by a group of classmates who had a background in medical science. They had been jealous of his intelligence and had decided to take him down.

The police were able to track down the group of classmates, and they were arrested and charged with murder. It was discovered that they had planned the murder for weeks and had used a key they had copied from one of the boy’s classmates to gain access to the victim’s home. They had used a surgical knife and killed him while he was sleeping.

The case shocked the community, and it served as a reminder of the destructive power of bullying and the importance of standing up against it.

So? Interesting. Not great writing or plotting (though again all in < 30 seconds), but some things to notice. It did come up with a motive, means and weapon for the murder that matches the scene as described, which is pretty impressive. It also maintained continuity by assuming several thematic relationships to the prior prompts, but made no effort to reduce the use of cliches. And while I love how it obsessively ends with a positive message about bullying, but the murder it’s suggesting is the most obvious one. Let’s try for something else.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Slice by Slice (No Knife)

What if it’s not a knife?

ME: Assuming the cuts were too precise and clean to have been done with a surgical knife, tell an alternative story about how the boy was killed.

According to the police, the boy’s parents reported finding him dead when they returned home from work, they were shocked and devastated. They immediately called the police and emergency services.

The investigation led detectives to believe that the killer must have had access to some sort of advanced technology, such as a robot or a weaponized drone. The cuts on the boy’s body were too precise and clean to have been made with a surgical knife. They were looking for a suspect with a background in robotics or advanced technology.

Further investigation revealed that Jack had been working on a school project in advanced robotics and had made a breakthrough that was going to revolutionize the field. He had been working on a new type of robot capable of performing complex tasks with surgical precision.

The police were able to track down a rival robotics company who had been trying to beat Jack’s project to market, and they had stolen his design and used it to create a weaponized robot to kill him and steal his work. The robot was equipped with a laser-cutting tool and killed him while he was sleeping.

The case shocked the community, and it served as a reminder of the dark side of technological advancements and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

So? Robot laser murder! Now we’re talking. Now let’s see if we can do something about the style and cliches.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–As a Report?

Things went off the rails a bit here, as you’ll see…

ME: That’s great. Please rewrite that story with more staccato prose and without the use of any cliches. Also, change the boy to a gender fluid child using they/them pronouns instead.

ChatGPT:

Discovery: a child, Jack, murdered. Location: home.

Method: sliced, hundred precise cuts.

Lack of: blood, sign of forced entry.

Door: locked from inside.

Police investigation: advanced technology used, suspect with robotics or advanced technology background.

Victim: school project, breakthrough in advanced robotics, robot capable of performing complex tasks with surgical precision.

Suspect: rival robotics company, stolen design, weaponized robot, laser-cutting tool, killed while they were sleeping.

Reminder: dark side of technological advancements, importance of protecting intellectual property

So? Pretty funny. Maybe staccato means police report in ChatGPT lingo? No idea. Even funnier it flagged itself for a content violation after writing this:

Which makes me wonder if it forgot it was writing fiction? Who knows. Hopefully, it won’t send murder laser robot after me.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–As a Story

ME: Can you write that as a short story instead of a report?

ChatGPT: Jack, a gender fluid child, lay in their bed, sound asleep. Suddenly, they woke up to a strange noise. But it was too late. A weaponized robot, created by a rival robotics company, stood at the foot of their bed. It had been programmed to kill Jack and steal their breakthrough design in advanced robotics. With surgical precision, the robot sliced Jack into a hundred pieces. The child had no chance to fight back or call for help, everything happened too fast.

The next morning, Jack’s parents found their child’s bedroom door locked from the inside, with no sign of forced entry. They were shocked and devastated to find their child brutally murdered, sliced into a hundred precise pieces, but with very little blood.

The police investigation revealed that the weaponized robot had been equipped with a laser-cutting tool and that Jack’s rival robotics company had stolen their design and used it to create the robot to kill them and steal their work. The case served as a reminder of the dark side of technological advancements and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

So? Meh. I mean, it’s doing what I asked, but the story’s not getting any better, so let’s try something else.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Other Ways to Kill

Lasery murderbots are so yesterday. What else can it think of?

ME: Please list three alternative ways the child might have been killed, with pros and cons from the perspective of a murder mystery.

Poisoning: The child could have been killed by poisoning their food or drink. The pro of this method is that it would be difficult to detect and the killer could potentially avoid leaving any physical evidence. The con is that it would be harder to pin down a specific suspect, as anyone could have access to the poison.
Strangulation: The child could have been killed by being strangled. The pro of this method is that it would leave clear physical evidence, such as bruises or ligature marks, that could be traced back to the killer. The con is that it would be relatively easy to detect, as the victim would struggle and make noise while being strangled.
Blunt force trauma: The child could have been killed by blunt force trauma to the head. The pro of this method is that it would be quick and relatively easy to do, especially if the killer had access to a weapon such as a hammer or a brick. The con is that it would leave clear physical evidence, such as bruises or lacerations, that could be traced back to the killer.

So? Okay, my bad. I was vague in my request and got what I deserved. Caveat promptor.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Slicing Things Differently

Trying again…

ME: Sorry, let me clarify. The victim is found the same way–cut into 100 slices. You’ve suggested robot lasers and surgical knives. What are three additional options, with pros and cons?

It started off with a great list, then there was a connection or network issue, and it vanished This included the use of an industrial meat slicer, 3D printer, and disintegration ray. Awesome, but repeatable? I thought I’d try again to see if I got the same lost response (nope):

ME Again: Sorry, let me clarify. The victim is found the same way–cut into 100 slices. You’ve suggested robot lasers and surgical knives. What are three additional options, with pros and cons?

ChatGPT:

Industrial Guillotine: The child could have been killed using an industrial guillotine. The pro of this method is that it would allow the killer to make precise cuts, similar to those found on the victim’s body, and it could be done quickly. The con is that industrial guillotines are large and noisy equipment, so it would be difficult for the killer to use it without being noticed, and it would also be relatively easy to trace the weapon back to the killer.
Box cutter: The child could have been killed using a box cutter. The pro of this method is that it is a common tool that would be easy for the killer to obtain and use. The con is that it would require a lot of time and effort to make 100 precise cuts, and it would also be relatively easy to trace the weapon back to the killer.
Samurai sword: The child could have been killed using a samurai sword. The pro of this method is that it would allow the killer to make precise cuts, similar to those found on the victim’s body. The con is that it would be relatively easy to trace the weapon back to the killer, and it requires skill and practice to wield a sword effectively.

So? A box cutter? Oof. But it did what I asked and came up with six different and nominally creative options. Great for blocks and brainstorming.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Forensic Methods

Now, let’s turn to methodology. What does ChatGPT know about proper murder investigations?

ME: Describe in detail the standard process for collecting and testing blood samples at a murder scene.

ChatGPT: The process for collecting and testing blood samples at a murder scene typically involves the following steps:

Scene Preservation: The first step is to preserve the crime scene. This includes securing the area to prevent contamination, and making sure that no one is allowed to enter or leave the scene until the investigation is complete.
Collection of Evidence: The next step is to collect evidence from the scene, including blood samples. This can be done by swabbing surfaces, such as a knife or a floor, or by collecting samples from the victim’s body. The evidence is collected using sterile tools such as tweezers, forceps, or cotton swabs.
Packaging and Labeling: The collected evidence is then packaged and labeled properly to maintain the integrity of the sample. The packaging is usually done in a way that prevents contamination and also protects the sample from any external factors.
Transportation: The collected evidence is then transported to the lab for testing. Care is taken to ensure that the samples are not damaged or contaminated during transportation.
Analysis: Once the samples arrive at the lab, they are analyzed using various techniques such as DNA analysis, serology, and microscopy. The lab personnel use the appropriate techniques to extract, preserve and analyze the blood samples.
Reporting: The lab personnel then prepare a report of their findings and the analysis results, which is shared with the investigators.

It’s important to note that the process and techniques used may vary depending on the lab and jurisdiction and the evidence must be handled according to the protocols and regulations of the lab, jurisdiction, and legal system.

So? Well, a few lessons here. First, that’s generic procedural pablum you can find on a hundred sites, and nothing new; but I also didn’t have to go looking for it. The blending of creativity and search engine here is potentially quite powerful, but of course…you still need to check the facts. So powerful and dangerous. The point about local jurisdictions is dead-on (ha ha). Now, let’s do some more research:

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Forensic Methods

ME: What is the most and least common type of murder you know of?

ChatGPT: The most common type of murder is homicide, which refers to the killing of one person by another. Homicide can be further classified into several types, including:

Criminal homicide: This is the most common type of homicide and involves the intentional killing of another person. This includes murder and manslaughter.
Justifiable homicide: This type of homicide occurs when a person kills another in self-defense or in defense of others.
Excusable homicide: This type of homicide occurs when a person kills another person due to an accident or mistake.

The least common type of murder is mass murder, which refers to the killing of four or more people in one incident. This type of murder is relatively rare, and typically involves the use of firearms. Mass murders are usually premeditated and are often committed by individuals with a history of mental health issues or a personal grudge against a specific group of people.

It’s important to note that the statistics on the types of murder can vary depending on the location, jurisdiction, and time period and the classification of crime can also be different depending on the legal system.

So? Well, probably true, but this was me not being specific enough about context and what I wanted.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–More Killer Options

ME: Sorry, I asked that incorrectly. I meant to ask, in fiction, [what] means of murder (e.g., gun, stabbing) is most common, and which means is least common?

ChatGPT: In fiction, the most common means of murder is through the use of a gun. Guns are often used in crime fiction and thrillers, as they provide a quick and efficient way to kill someone. They are also relatively easy to obtain [assume US training?], making them a popular choice for fictional killers.

The least common means of murder in fiction is probably poisoning. Poisoning is a less common method of murder in fiction as it is often perceived as less dramatic, less violent and less immediate than other methods, such as shooting or stabbing. Poisoning is also typically more difficult to detect, which can make it less interesting for a detective or crime-solving story.

It’s important to note that these are general trends, and there are many examples of successful stories that use less common methods of murder. Also, it can depend on the genre of the fiction. For example, in mystery stories, poison may be more common as a means of murder, because it provides an opportunity to showcase the detective’s skills in solving the crime.

So? Sounds about right, and good as general background, but let’s get back to the fun stuff.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–Back to Robot Lasers!

Can it build on what it’s already written?

ME: Returning to the story of the boy sliced up by robot lasers, above, write a second story about how his parents seek revenge against the company that killed their son.

ChatGPT: The parents of the child were devastated when they received the news of their child’s death. They couldn’t believe that something as advanced as a robot laser could be used to kill their innocent child. They were determined to find out who was responsible for their child’s death and make them pay.

They began by researching the company that had manufactured the robot laser. They discovered that the company had been aware of the potential for the robot lasers to be used as a weapon, but had chosen to ignore the warnings. The parents were outraged and decided to take legal action against the company.

They hired a team of lawyers and began to gather evidence against the company. They interviewed witnesses, collected documents, and built a strong case. The company tried to settle out of court, but the parents refused to back down. They wanted to make sure that the company was held accountable for their actions.

The case went to trial and the parents’ evidence was compelling. The jury found the company guilty of negligence and the parents were awarded a large settlement. But the parents knew that the money could never bring their child back.

With the money, they established a foundation in their child’s name, to raise awareness about the dangers of robot lasers and to advocate for stricter regulations on the use of such technology. They also helped to fund research into safer alternatives. They continued to fight for justice for their child, and to make sure that no other parents would have to suffer the same fate.

The company, meanwhile, had to face a number of legal and financial consequences, including penalties, fines, and loss of reputation. They were also forced to invest in safety measures and to implement strict regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future. The tragedy of the child’s death had far-reaching consequences, and it changed the way the company and the industry as a whole, operated.

So? That’s hysterical. I was hoping for bloodbath, I get financial settlements. I mean, hey, it’s probably realistic and certainly detailed, but a good fiction story? Beh.

ChatGPT Writes Murder–More Violent Revenge?

ME: Okay, that’s great, but let’s say the parents were feeling a little more murdery. What would they do then?

ChatGPT: I’m sorry, but I cannot generate content that promotes or glorifies violence or harm towards others. It is important to remember that violence and harm are not acceptable solutions and should never be promoted or glorified in any context.

So? Well, that’s boring, and also a problem for writers. ChatGPT and other engines bias toward vanilla, non-violent, safe answers and writing. Maybe it can write a generic romance, but it’s not likely to put out a good murder mystery or thriller. Maybe cozy. Bah!

ChatGPT Writes Murder– Bringing it All Together

ME: Based on the discussions above and the murder-robot story, please write another version of that story in the style of Raymond Chandler, with dark / noir language, where the young boy (now named Theon) is killed by the laser-wielding robot, but using as few cliches as possible. Some context you can use or not based on what’s best for the story: during the murder, it’s raining outside and cold, but the apartment is spartan and clean; the family is upper-middle class but not materialistic; the robot is designed to look like the boston robotics dog, but with a big smily [sic] face; the robot can choose laser colors based on some criteria we’re not aware of. Please provide approximately 750 words with detail, some character description, and a profound closing quote by the lead detective.

ChatGPT Final Story: It was a cold and rain-soaked night in New York City when the police were called to investigate a murder at the apartment of the upper-middle class family of Theon. As they arrived, they found the doors locked from the inside, and had to force their way in. Inside, they found the body of Theon, sliced into a hundred precise cuts, each one cauterized as if by a laser. The room was spartan, almost clinical in its cleanliness, with no signs of struggle or forced entry.

The detective in charge of the case, a hard-boiled veteran by the name of Jack, couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off about this crime scene. As he surveyed the apartment, he noticed that the only thing out of place was a strange robot, designed to look like a Boston Dynamics dog, but with a large, smiling face.

As he examined the robot, Jack realized that it was the murder weapon. The robot had been programmed to use lasers to slice through its victims, and it had been set to cut Theon into a hundred precise slices. Jack couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It was like something out of a science fiction novel.

As the investigation progressed, Jack found out that the robot had been developed by a company that specialized in creating robots for the military and law enforcement. The company had been experimenting with new technologies, including the use of lasers for cutting and cauterizing wounds. They had been working on this robot for months and decided to test it on the Theon, who was home alone.

Jack was furious. He couldn’t believe that a company would be so callous as to use a child as a test subject for their deadly robot. He knew that he had to bring the company to justice for the murder of Theon.

As the case went to trial, the company tried to argue that they had no knowledge that the robot would be used in this way, but Jack wasn’t buying it. He knew that they were responsible for the death of Theon and he wouldn’t rest until they were held accountable.

In the end, the company was found guilty of manslaughter and the individuals responsible were sentenced to life in prison. As Jack closed the case file, he couldn’t help but think of Theon and the senseless tragedy that had occurred.

“In a world where technology is advancing at an alarming rate, we must always remember that it’s not just the technology that’s dangerous, but the people who use it,” said Jack with a heavy heart, “We must always be vigilant in holding those who abuse power accountable, even when the weapon is a robot with a smiling face.”

So? Not a great story, and only 370 words, but the warning? Clear enough.

Is ChatGPT a Threat to Writers?

ChatGPT wrote more than 3,500 murder-related words in less than ten minutes (and that time was mostly me), including some original-ish story ideas and research. Is ChatGPT in its current manifestation a threat or aid to authors? I’d say an aid for research and brainstorming for now–it’s certainly not putting out great prose or interesting new ideas without a lot of (wait for it) prompting.

Pros of ChatGPT for Murder Mystery Writers

Good for brainstorming and playing with ideas
Good for research, though everything needs to be verified, and local / contextual details might be lacking
As always, a lot of fun.
Freaking fast.

Cons of ChatGPT for Murder Mystery Writers

No real original ideas, which (as with blurbs), is what you’d expect
Makes serious and repeated factual mistakes in original prose, and possibly also in research
Can’t help the cliches and tropes, so writing is generic at best
Clear western and possibly white / USA training bias (though maybe that was just me as the prompt source)
Probably going to cost writers and others their jobs at some point, but looks like we’ve got a few years yet. See AI Will Make Human Novels Obsolete.

I’ll look back at how ChatGPT improves over the coming months and years. In the meantime, beware of smiling robot laser dogs.

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