Character Development and Storytelling for Games

Introduction. Part I. BACKGROUND. 1. Myths and Equations. 2. The Story Remains the Same. Part II. CREATING CHARACTERS. 3. Respecting Characters. 4. Character Roles. 5. Character Traits. 6. Character Encounters. Part III. TELLING STORY. 7. Once Upon a Time. 8. Respecting Story. 9. Bringing the Story to Life. 10. Story Chiropractics. 11. Editing. 12. The Roots of a New Storytelling. 13. Modular Storytelling. Part IV. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY TODAY. 14. Types vs. Genres. 15. Console Games. 16. Casual Games. 17. Social Games. 18. Virtual Worlds. 19. Applied (Serious) Games. 20. Real World Games. Part V. REFLECTIONS. 21. The Responsible Writer. Part VI. APPENDICES. Appendix A. Opinionated Bibliography. Appendix B. Developer Primer on Building Writing Teams. Index.

Written by a professional game writers who also teaches his craft, Lee Sheldon combines his experience and expertise in this updated edition of CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND STORYTELLING FOR GAMES. New examples, new game types, and new challenges throughout the text highlight the fundamental importance of characters and storytelling in every type of game. Sheldon emphasizes the importance of creative instinct and listening to the inner voice that guides successful game designers and writers. Join him on his quest to instruct, inform, and maybe even inspire your next great game.