The Detective_Interactive Story Post 1

Here is some rough brainstorming of my interactive story entitled The Detective. I have outline some characters, and key plot points. Of course, for the medium of the platform, I have decided to simplify things. I hope you enjoy, and look forward to hearing some feedback!

Characters

Jeb Pyre (Main detective): he is the main detective of this case. He is a typical mormon member, and a family man. He tries to be the best person that he can, but has a continual internal struggle during the entire storyline. In essence, he is conflicted between his beliefs and what he witnesses as part of his work. This character is really representative of those in the church who are going through a faith crisis, especially when exposed to further information. 

• Wife:
• Daughter 1:
• Daughter 2:
• Grandmother:

Bill Taba (secondary detective): Is an outlier in the story and kind of a black sheep. He originates from Las Vegas, a cop that is more tough and rough around the edges. He is confident, has a clear grasp on reality, and sees things the way that they are. Unlike the majority of those in his community, he isn’t a religious mormon individual. On the other hand, he is of Indigenous Paiute descent. The Paiute people are a tribe of  indigenous Americans that have lived in the Colorado River basin of southern Nevada, northern Arizona, and southern Utah. By the mormon individuals around him, he is known as the Lamanite / Nephite, terminology from their Mormon scripture (often used in a pejorative manner) to describe indigenous folk. Overall, he is in this community that is dominated by LDS individuals, an outsider, and someone who walks to the beat of their own drum. Finally, he doesn’t see all of the events of the crime / interactions of the community through rose tinted glasses. His character is very grounded and likable. 

(Lafferty Family)

Ammon & Doreen Lafferty: (parents leaving on a mission) Ammon is the patriarch of the family. 

Ron & Diana Lafferty: (first siblings) Ron is the oldest child of the family. He isn’t appreciated by his father. He begins in the story being a likable character, but then his character really spirals. Because of the choices that he made with his younger brother, he ends up losing everything and goes crazy. Diana is Brenda’s main confidante from the Lafferty family. Diana eventually leaves Ron, and takes all of their children with her in order to protect them. As such, Ron blames Brensa for much of his misfortune. 

Dan & Matilda Lafferty: (second set of siblings) Dan is the second oldest brother of the family, but preferred by his father, and treated as the oldest once the parents leave. He is given responsibility over the family house, chiropractor business, and legacy. Essentially, he is the person who is entrusted with the Lafferty family reputation. Once the parents leave, that legacy weighs heavily on his shoulders, and he is not able to keep up with everything. He begins the narrative seeming a little off but still playful, and it is only with the weight of this community that he begins to go crazy. He is the one who is drawn to fundamentalism, ignited by a hate for taxes. It then unravels to a interest of poligamy, school of prophets, and a hit list. Matilda is originally from England, and she is a character who is very manipulated by her husband. Throughout the story, Brenda tries to reach out to her and help her, but to no avail. 

Robin & Lynn Lafferty: (side character, someone that I won’t necessarily mention)

Jacob Lafferty: (side character, someone that I won’t necessarily mention)

Samuel & Sara Lafferty: (Fifth sibling) Lightly influenced by the brothers endeavors. But otherwise is a side character in the story. 

Allen Lafferty (Brenda’s husband): (youngest sibling of the family) He is the least influenced by the older brother’s endeavors and opinions. He falls in love with Brenda who is an educated, ambitious, and confident young lady. While his family sees those characteristics as problematic, he admires / encourages them in his partner. He is open minded and loves Brenda for who she is, even though he is influenced by the general culture around him (ie. having children young and not seeing how that will influence his wife until afterwards). He is the one who first saw the crime scene, and is heartbroken. At first, it seems as if he would be the one who is guilty. However, as the story evolves, it becomes clear that he isn’t guilty. 

Brenda: She is originally not from Utah, and received a degree in Journalism. She is well educated, confident, strong minded, and has a determined character. Brenda isn’t swept up into  the Lafferty family ideas or fundamentalist beliefs. She isn’t afraid to voice her opinion against the stronger male characters. Brenda supported her fellow sister in-laws in their endeavors, and was fighting till the very end. 

• Daughter: Erica, a young child. 

Key Plot Points

A1) Overall setting / character development. Introduction of the main character / player, who they are, where they live, and their occupation. They can enter their player’s name. [(next)]

A2) Night of the crime, the player on the scene of the crime. They observe the different rooms of the house, and then walk outside to find the husband covered in blood (cliff hanger). [(next)]

A3) They are now in the police department, the husband is held in custody, and they are interviewing him. This is when the main player’s potential for different outcomes begins. Branching is a direct result of their actions, and whether or not they will be able to discover who committed the crime. [(options)]

A4) Ect…

References

Dustin Lance Black Director. Under the Banner of Heaven. Aggregate Film, Imagine Television, FXP, 2022. 

Krakauwer, Jon. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith. New York, Penguin, June 2004.