The third idea I came up with for my interactive fiction story was about a tragic plane crash that allows the character of the story to contemplate their life decisions. The game would allow the player to navigate their way around surviving in the present, while also prompting them to explore the character’s past through flashbacks. The flashbacks would give the player a deeper understanding of the main character, important events in their life leading up to the crash, as well as various individuals in the main characters life.
Here are some key components of the story:
Main Idea
Maria, a 24 year old graduate from law school travels for a job interview but finds herself in a stranded island after a tragic plane crash. On her journey to survival she is reminded of various events in her life and choices she has made that do not align with her dreams and goals. Maria feels like she has had to make choices in her career and relationships to meet the standards and expectations of others (including friends, parents and society). Her tragic experience allows her to become aware of what she wants her future to look like as she becomes so close to death.
Theme/Meaning/Core Idea:
Life is too short not to follow your dreams and make decisions in life that you want.
Setting:
Flashback examples: Flashback takes you to when her boyfriend proposed to her at her favorite restaurant. – Flashback takes you to when her parents discussed how she needed to get a degree to be successful. -Flashback takes you to when her friends told her she’s too young to “say yes” and get married so soon.
Present time: Plane crash and stranded on an island – fighting for survival
Characters:
-Maria (main character) 24 year old law graduate
-Noah (Boyfriend) EMS worker, caring, loving, inspirational and supportive.
-Best friend
-Parents
Structure
Branching. One choice will lead to another. Some choices may lead to past memories/flashbacks. Player will have the choice to continue the survival route in the present or read about different characters in Maria’s life.
Ending Ideas:
Survive: If the player makes it through and ends up surviving, they can possibly chose between continuing to live the same life (same job, saying no to the proposal, continue pleasing others at the expense of own happiness) – or they may chose to change their life (say yes to the man of their dreams, start their dream career of opening up a restaurant etc.)
Die: If the player dies, the character will hold their engagement ring in their hand and wish they lived their life differently.
Possible Tools for Interactive Story:
- Powerpoint (to embed images)
- Twine (mind map makes it easier to visualize and create)
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