diff --git a/packages/core/src/defaultCharacter.ts b/packages/core/src/defaultCharacter.ts
index 2ca1bf0179c..1a1b4e75834 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/defaultCharacter.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/defaultCharacter.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ export const defaultCharacter: Character = {
     username: "eliza",
     plugins: [],
     clients: [],
-    modelProvider: ModelProviderName.OPENAI,
+    modelProvider: ModelProviderName.OLLAMA,
     settings: {
         secrets: {},
         voice: {