diff --git a/modules/ui_file_saving.py b/modules/ui_file_saving.py
index 9febd296..d80378af 100644
--- a/modules/ui_file_saving.py
+++ b/modules/ui_file_saving.py
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ def create_event_handlers():
     shared.gradio['delete_character_confirm'].click(
         chat.delete_character, gradio('character_menu'), None).then(
         lambda: gr.update(visible=False), None, gradio('character_deleter')).then(
-        lambda: gr.update(choices=utils.get_available_characters(), value="None"), None, gradio('character_menu'))
+        lambda: gr.update(choices=(characters := utils.get_available_characters()), value=characters[0]), None, gradio('character_menu'))
 
     shared.gradio['save_character_cancel'].click(lambda: gr.update(visible=False), None, gradio('character_saver'))
     shared.gradio['delete_character_cancel'].click(lambda: gr.update(visible=False), None, gradio('character_deleter'))