  Millions of people have seen their daily habits transform, reducing physical
activity and leading to mental health issues. This study explores how virtual
characters impact motivation for well-being. Three prototypes with cartoon,
robotic, and human-like avatars were tested by 22 participants. Results show
that animated virtual avatars, especially with extended reality, boost
motivation, enhance comprehension of activities, and heighten presence.
Multiple output modalities, like audio and text, with character animations,
improve the user experience. Notably, the cartoon-like character evoked
positive responses. This research highlights virtual characters' potential to
engage individuals in daily well-being activities.
