How to generate a random string from an array and then "remember" it?

Question

I'm using Javascript to generate random movie plots from several arrays of word lists using the Math.random function which I've adapted from another generator. The code generates a random name for the main character from an array of names, and I need to repeat this same name in other parts of the plot, e.g. if the name Fred is chosen at the start then I need to say Fred in a few other sentences. If I just use the same Math.random function for subsequent instances of the name, I sometimes get a new random name from the list instead. Is there a way to "remember" the random name chosen at the start and display it whenever I want? Code sample:

<html>
<input type="button" value="Generate" onclick="GetPlot()">
<textarea name="plot" id ="plot" cols="100" rows="25"></textarea>
<script type="text/javascript">
function GetPlot(){
var Name = new Array("Fred", "John", "Roger");
var n = "";
n = n + Name[Math.round(Math.random()*(Name.length-1))];
n = n + " is the lead character." + Name[Math.round(Math.random()*(Name.length-1))] + " is wanted by the FBI.";
document.getElementById('plot').value = n;
}
</script>
</html>

Dij · Accepted Answer · 2017-08-06 20:42:19Z

1

Math.random() can generate a different number everytime you use it. you can just save the random number generated once and use it again. And anyways you are storing name in n once, you can use that again while making the sentence.

<html>
<input type="button" value="Generate" onclick="GetPlot()">
<textarea name="plot" id ="plot" cols="100" rows="25"></textarea>
<script type="text/javascript">
function GetPlot(){
var Name = new Array("Fred", "John", "Roger");
var randomIndex = Math.round(Math.random()*(Name.length-1));
var n = "";
n = n + Name[randomIndex];
n = n + " is the lead character." + n + " is wanted by the FBI.";
document.getElementById('plot').value = n;
}
</script>
</html>

answered Aug 6, 2017 at 20:42

Dij

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2 Comments

Thoughtcat Over a year ago

Thanks Dij, that's great! :)

Dij Over a year ago

@Thoughtcat you are welcome, consider accepting the answer if it helped. Cheers!

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