Computers as Theatre, Second Edition

3. Dramatic Foundations: Part II: Orchestrating Action

What is possible in a given representational “world”? In drama—on the stage, in film, or even on television—discovering what is possible is a twofold source of pleasure for audiences. First is the stimulation of imagination and emotion that is created by carefully crafted uncertainty. Second is the satisfaction provided by closure when the action is complete, if the plot has been successfully constructed. When representational “worlds” are interactive, whether they be avant-garde theatre productions or virtual offices, how people find the edges of the universe—discovering the limits of what is possible—is a central issue in design. This chapter deals with how plots—representational actions—are ...