diff --git a/extensions/api/util.py b/extensions/api/util.py
index 0b840155..e4f7738f 100644
--- a/extensions/api/util.py
+++ b/extensions/api/util.py
@@ -66,6 +66,8 @@ def build_parameters(body, chat=False):
         instruction_template = body.get('instruction_template', shared.settings['instruction_template'])
         if str(instruction_template) == "None":
             instruction_template = "Vicuna-v1.1"
+        if str(character) == "None":
+            character = "Assistant"
 
         name1, name2, _, greeting, context, _ = load_character_memoized(character, str(body.get('your_name', shared.settings['name1'])), '', instruct=False)
         name1_instruct, name2_instruct, _, _, context_instruct, turn_template = load_character_memoized(instruction_template, '', '', instruct=True)