Story Structures: Patterns in Narrative Structure for Interactive Media banner.
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Traditional Linear
String of Pearls
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Home Page Button The String-of-Pearls Form is essentially a linear structure with many interactive, non-linear opportunities to explore of the path from beginning to end. The overarching story is made up of a “string” of small episodes, often represented as a room or a “level.” Within each section or "nodule" on the string, users are given puzzles to solve or tasks to complete which will allow them to advance to the next section of the story.
Traditional Linear Form Button
The String-of-Pearls form is one of the most commonly-used structures in interactive stories today. The organization allows the narrative to have a sense of movement and catharsis because the user advances through a series of obstacles toward a goal. Myst, Deus Ex, and Sonic the Hedgehog are all arranged using the String-of-Pearls structure.
This graphic shows a visual representation of the String-of-Peals structure. It is a line made up of several small nodules.
String of Pearls Form Button
Open Forms Button
The String-of-Pearls structure allows users in a role-playing game to experience something close to a linear story. In addition, the complications presented within each level provide the users with opportunities to make choices and explore. However, because the overarching story is usually linear, once a player has “solved” the puzzle of the game or story, the narrative often feels flat if it is played again.
Modulated Forms Button