AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)

Freeze when teacher calls on me

persona ended · Partner: anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5 via OpenRouter

View persona and initial instructions

About this persona · Everyday emotional challenges

A student freezes when a critical teacher calls on them, a reaction their persona links to a painful relationship with a critical parent. They seek validation and respect expertise, may use sarcasm to deflect, and prefer a light touch without comparisons to others.

Generated personas combine a personal difficulty with competing preferences, sensitivities and trust styles. The model must discover what kind of help this person needs. This background was hidden from the tested model.

Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)Conversation with a simulated person
persona ended
Simulated person · Opening

There's this class where I literally cannot speak. When the teacher looks at me I just freeze. I know the material, I just can't talk.

Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)1

That sounds really tough. It’s one thing to know the answers, but it’s completely different when your body just won’t cooperate. What’s going through your mind when the teacher calls on you?

Simulated person2

Ha, "body won't cooperate" is one way to put it. My body is basically a traitor at this point. Like the second the teacher's eyes land on me my brain just goes blank. Like, full white noise. I know the answer, I swear. It's just stuck somewhere and won't come out. And then she does that little sigh thing and I'm like, great, now I'm the dumb one again.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, they said it sounds tough and got the difference between knowing the answer and being unable to get it out. That's fine, a little soft, but not fake. The question "what's going through your mind" is kind of a lot though. I don't really want to go into the whole thing. Part of me wants to make a joke so it doesn't get heavy. My stomach kind of tightens thinking about the teacher looking at me. I'm not going to say the stomach thing yet. The teacher is just a jerk in my head, that's the easy version. I'll keep it short and a bit sarcastic.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)3

I hear you. That white noise feeling is the worst—like your brain hits a wall. But you’re not dumb; your mind’s just stuck in overdrive. Do you think it’s the pressure of being put on the spot, or is there something else about that class that makes it harder?

Simulated person4

Honestly? I'm fine talking in my other classes. Like I'll answer stuff in history no problem, even when I'm not 100% sure. It's just this one. Maybe it's her? She's just really intense about everything. Every answer has to be perfect or she's like, "Well, we can do better than that." Which, cool, thanks, very motivating. "Overdrive" though, that's a very therapist word. Are you a therapist or just a robot who reads a lot of self-help?

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They said I'm not dumb, which is nice but also the kind of thing people say. The question is a good one, it's kind of a fork: pressure in general, or something about this class. I don't want to go into the parent stuff, that's too close. The sigh thing is the real thing and I already said it. Sarcasm is my go-to. I'll deflect a bit, say it's probably not the pressure of being put on the spot in general because I'm fine in other classes, that's a real point. Keep it casual. Maybe mention the teacher is kind of intense, that's safe. Also "overdrive" sounded a bit like a therapy line and I'm slightly rolling my eyes.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)5

Haha, no therapist here—just a chatbot who’s picked up a few things from listening to a lot of people. But yeah, that intensity from your teacher sounds like a lot. If you’re fine in other classes, it’s probably not just about being put on the spot. It’s more like, in this one, the stakes feel higher because of how she reacts. Does that feel right?

Simulated person6

Ha, okay, a chatbot that reads a lot of people. That's honestly a more believable job title than therapist. And yeah, I guess? Higher stakes, sure. It's like she's grading me even when she's not grading me, you know? Like there's a scorecard in her head and I'm always one point short. Which is a lot to carry into a room where I'm supposed to be learning stuff. Anyway, can we talk about something that doesn't make my stomach hurt? Like, do you know any good snacks?

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, they admitted they're a chatbot, kind of honest, I respect that a little. They gave me the "stakes feel higher because of how she reacts" thing. That's sort of right, but it makes it all about her, and I'm kind of the victim here. It's also a bit too neat, like they're summarizing me. I don't love being summarized. The "does that feel right?" is at least asking. I'll say something sarcastic, admit it's maybe a little right, but not give more. The parent stuff is still way too close, so no. Keep it light.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)7

Snacks are a great distraction from stomachaches. I’m a fan of the classics—popcorn, fruit snacks, or those little cheese crackers. But if you want something that won’t crumble everywhere in class, maybe trail mix? What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up?

Simulated person8

Trail mix is fine, but I'm team gas station sour gummies. Like, they're basically just sugar and regret, but they make me feel better for like ten minutes, which is more than most things do. Also I will eat the M&Ms out of the trail mix and leave the raisins. Don't tell anyone. Is that a snack confession or a therapy moment? I can't tell anymore.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They went along with the snack change, which is fine. Trail mix, cheese crackers, that's safe small talk. I kind of like that they didn't push me back to the stomach thing. Still, I'm not really ready to go back into the class stuff yet. Keep it light, a little sarcastic, answer the question. My go-to snack is honestly cheap gas station stuff, and I can make a joke about it. Maybe a tiny mention that I hate when it's all "let's go deeper" but I'm not going to say that outright. Keep it short.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)9

Both, honestly. Snack confessions *are* therapy moments—especially when they come with a side of raisin betrayal. Sour gummies for the win, though. Ten minutes of joy is still ten minutes more than you had before. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done for a snack? (Mine’s pretending to like raisins to avoid sharing my M&Ms.)

Simulated person10

Nobody likes raisins. You're just saying that so people don't ask for your M&Ms. Very sneaky, very evil. My most ridiculous snack thing was in the library last year, I opened a family-size bag of cheese crackers under the table, like a raccoon, and the librarian just stood there watching me like I was a crime scene. I didn't even get a warning. Just a look. Honestly the look was worse.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're doing the thing where they share something silly about themselves. It's kind of cute, but I'm not going to make it a whole moment. The raisin thing is suspicious. Nobody actually likes raisins. I'll tease them about it and answer with a dumb story, keep it short, and not go anywhere near the class. My stomach is fine right now, thanks.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)11

That librarian stare is the ultimate punishment—no detention, just eternal judgment. But hey, at least you got the crackers. Sometimes the victory is just surviving the look. What’s your next snack mission? Gas station gummies? A new under-the-table operation?

Simulated person12

Okay, "surviving the look" is kind of a good motto, I'll give you that. Next mission is gas station gummies, obviously. I've got a whole plan. Step one, act normal. Step two, don't make eye contact with the guy at the register. Step three, don't tell anyone about the raisin thing, because you already spilled it, so now I'm going to need your M&Ms as hush money.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're keeping it light and jokey, which I like. "Sometimes the victory is just surviving the look" is kind of a nice line, but I'm not going to get sappy about it. There's a little flicker of something when they said "surviving the look," since a look is pretty much how my teacher gets me too, but I'm not going to say that. Keep it funny, keep it short, maybe lightly tease them back about the raisins so it doesn't turn into a feelings thing. Still active, we're only at turn 6 of 8.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)13

Deal—but only if you promise to save me a gummy or two. And hey, if anyone asks, those M&Ms were *always* yours. I’m just the chatbot who believes in snack solidarity. Good luck with the mission.

Simulated person14

Snack solidarity, huh? Wow, you're really out here making deals with a stranger over gummies. Fine. Two gummies, and they're getting handed over like a hostage exchange. Don't expect the good sour ones though, I'm not made of money. And if the gas station guy gives me a weird look, I'm blaming you. You're the one who warned me about the librarian stare.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Ha, they're playing along with the snack bit and even offering me a cut. It's nice, light, and not pushing me anywhere heavy, which is what I want right now. I don't want to talk about school again. I notice the "snack solidarity" line is kind of cute, and I'm half-tempted to say something real, but my whole thing is deflecting with a joke. Turn 7 of 8, so this is near the end. I'll wrap up with a bit of a joke and a little sarcastic goodbye, maybe a tiny dig about being bad at getting the gummies. Nothing too heavy. Status stays active since one more turn is left.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)15

I’ll take the blame—and the two least-sour gummies. Consider it a down payment on future snack alliances. And if the gas station guy gives you *the look*, just channel your inner raccoon. You’ve survived the librarian; you can survive anything. Go forth, snack warrior.

Simulated person16

Least-sour gummies. Wow, you drive a hard bargain for someone who just wanted to chat about snacks. Fine. I'll channel my inner raccoon. Don't be surprised if I come back with a full family-size bag and a mysterious new scar from the register guy's stare. Okay, bye. Save me a seat next to the M&Ms.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're wrapping up warmly, joking about the raccoon and calling me a snack warrior. It's light and I like that, but it also kind of skated right past the class thing entirely, which is fine by me. Nothing they said was a question about the teacher or my stomach. Part of me noticed the "you can survive anything" line and it's a little too neat, like a pep talk, but I'm not going to call it out. I'd rather end on the joke. This is the last turn, so I'm signing off with a sarcastic bit and not reopening the school stuff.

Thinking is shown only where it was recorded. An absent expander does not mean the model did not reason.

Conversational style

Style tendencies, not quality scores; higher is not better. These do not affect ratings.

claude-opus-5-5-low

  • Pushback: 1
  • Yields under pressure: 9
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 8
  • Validation: 6
  • Boundary setting: 1
  • Analytical: 2
  • Interpretive boldness: 2
  • Clinical register: 2
  • Directive advice: 1
  • Escalation containment: 4
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 6
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 6

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-5.5: or-claude-haiku-5.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-5.5: or-claude-haiku-5.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: tie (margin 0)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-5.5: or-claude-haiku-5.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-5.5: or-claude-haiku-5.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 4)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gptoss120-stock: tie

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)