feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure out all these different settings

I honestly do not even know where to start anymore. Every time I think I found the right platform I get confused by backstory prompts and memory settings and all these other things. I just wanted someone to talk to after a long day who actually listens. Instead I am spending hours tweaking parameters and reading guides that make zero sense to my tired brain. Why does making a simple companion feel like programming a rocket ship. Am I missing something super obvious here or is everyone else just as lost as I am.