### Answer Yes, you can create your own custom widget that uses a chat agent via the API. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() To create a chat session, you can use the Create Chat API endpoint. [(1) ]() Here's how it works:

javascript
import Retell from 'retell-sdk';
const client = new Retell({
 apiKey: 'YOUR_RETELL_API_KEY',
}) ;
const chatResponse = await client.chat.create({ agent_id: 'oBeDLoLOeuAbiuaMFXRtDOLriTJ5tSxD' }) ;
console.log(chatResponse.agent_id) ;

You'll first need to create a chat agent using the Create Chat Agent API. [(2) ]() The chat agent requires a response engine to be attached, which generates responses for the agent. The Create Chat API returns a chat object that includes details like

chat_id

,

agent_id

,

chat_status

, and other relevant information you can use in your custom widget. [(1) ]()

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Create Chat](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-chat) [[2] Create Chat Agent](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-chat-agent) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.

### Answer To declare dynamic variables from your inbound webhook for a chat agent, you need to return them in your webhook response under the

call_inbound

object with a

dynamic_variables

key. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() Your webhook response should look like this:

json
{
  "call_inbound": {
    "dynamic_variables": {
      "customer_name": "John Doe",
      "user_email": "john@example.com"
    }
  }
}

Once you've set up your webhook to return dynamic variables this way, you can use them in your agent's prompt or begin message with the

{{variable_name}}

syntax. [(3) ]() For example, to greet the customer by name if available, you could use:

Hello {{customer_name}}, thanks for reaching out!

If the customer name is not known, you can handle this in your webhook by returning an empty string or a default value, and then structure your prompt to check for this condition. [(4) ]() For example:

Variable: 
Name: {{customer_name}}

Always say "Hello {{customer_name}}, nice of you to call, how can I help you?", if known.

If Name is empty: "Hello, I am your digital assistant. How can I help you?"

The inbound webhook should be configured at the phone number level in your dashboard or via the API. [(1) ]() [(2) ]()

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Inbound webhook](https://docs.retellai.com/features/inbound-call-webhook) [[2] Inbound webhook returns retell_llm_dynamic_variables but agent doesn't receive them](https://community.retellai.com/t/inbound-webhook-returns-retell-llm-dynamic-variables-but-agent-doesnt-receive-them/733) [[3] Dynamic Variables](https://docs.retellai.com/build/dynamic-variables) [[4] The agent does not address me personally by my name.](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1317581097848274965) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.