Automated interactive narrative synthesis using dramatic theory

Current systems for automatic narrative generation lack modularity in their authoring tools as well as the ability to accommodate a human player's interaction with the characters while simultaneously preserving narrative integrity. In this paper, we propose a logical formalism of a story that incorporates an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and a story resolution, conforming to the widely established and studied Freytag model of a narrative. Using computational tools, our system is able to automatically synthesize stories that are grounded in narrative theory. These logical representations of stories are transformed into its equivalent Parameterized Behavior Tree (PBT) representation to facilitate an animated discourse of the narrative by leveraging existing character animations tools. Next, we automatically transform these passive narratives into interactive narratives by introducing narrative revision and nudge -- two extensions that preserve narrative integrity while still allowing the player to assume control of any character at any point in the story, and the freedom to experience the story in any way he sees fit. Our results demonstrate the promise of leveraging computational intelligence for automated interactive narrative synthesis while being firmly established in classical narrative theory.