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Article
Eliciting Behavior From Interactive Narratives: Isolating the Role of Agency in Connecting With and Modeling Characters
Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
  • Francesca R. Dillman
  • Ryan Rogers, Butler University
  • Lisa Barnard
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-11-2015
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2014.998222
Abstract

A key component differentiating interactive storytelling from non-interactive media is agency, or control over character choices. A series of experiments show that providing agency over a character increased the user-character connection, which then increased engagement in a character-consistent charitable act. Findings were observed in technologically simple online narratives that controlled for navigation/controller differences, graphics, sounds, lengthy play, and avatar customization. Effects emerged even though users did not practice these acts by making their character behave charitably. Findings were robust across happy and unfortunate endings and across first-, second-, and third-person narrative perspectives. Findings suggest promise for developing inexpensive ‘‘storygames’’ to encourage supportive behaviors.

Rights

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media on 03/11/2015, available online: http://wwww.tandfonline.com/10.1080/08838151.2014.998222.

Citation Information
Francesca R. Dillman, Ryan Rogers and Lisa Barnard. "Eliciting Behavior From Interactive Narratives: Isolating the Role of Agency in Connecting With and Modeling Characters" Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media Vol. 59 Iss. 1 (2015) p. 76 - 93
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ryan-rogers/7/