Dynamic generation, management of interactive plots

Rapid advances in entertainment technology necessitate the development of computational models for interactive plots capable of creating engaging stories that are meaningfully interactive. This work describes a computational framework for supporting dynamic generation, management and resolution of interactive plots. In this framework, the user takes the place of the story protagonist. The rest of the cast consists of discrete computer characters, each playing specific roles in the story. The plot is dynamically shaped by the interaction between the user and the rest of the cast. This framework supports an Aristotelian plot conception, in which a conflict between antagonistic forces develops out of an initial situation. The plot moves from this initial situation towards its antagonistic climax, through a sequence of conflicts, and then towards an unambiguous solution at the end. This paper describes dynamic techniques that analyze the evolving plot to support user participation, adopt dramatically interesting story developments and resolve the plot in engaging ways based on the motives of the characters involved. This framework has been implemented as part of DEFACTO, a research project for designing interactive story systems.