What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from the first session of CS 148/248: Interactive Narrative at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This resource offers a foundational overview of the course and begins to unpack the complex relationship between storytelling and interactivity. It serves as a starting point for exploring the theoretical underpinnings of the field, setting the stage for more technical explorations later in the term. These notes capture key discussion points and introduce core concepts presented during the lecture.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is particularly valuable for students new to the field of interactive narrative, or those seeking a solid grounding in the fundamental questions that drive its development. It’s ideal for reviewing before subsequent lectures, clarifying initial concepts, or preparing for class discussions. Anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities inherent in blending narrative structure with user agency will find these notes a helpful companion to the course material. Accessing the full lecture notes will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the instructor’s perspective and the course’s overall trajectory.
Topics Covered
* The core definition of interactive narrative and its inherent tensions.
* Exploring the concept of “storyworlds” and the possibilities for immersive experiences.
* Historical examples of interactive storytelling formats.
* The importance of understanding narrative theory for interactive design.
* Initial exploration of computational approaches to story generation and understanding.
* Character modeling and representation within interactive narratives.
What This Document Provides
* An introduction to the central questions guiding the course.
* A glimpse into the theoretical frameworks used to analyze interactive storytelling.
* References to seminal works and examples in the field.
* An overview of key areas of focus for the first half of the course, including story generation, drama management, and autonomous characters.
* A foundational vocabulary for discussing interactive narrative concepts.