To put together a good chapter, you will need to work on several essential elements. Make sure not to neglect any of them to be certain to offer, once your chapters are put end to end, an unforgettable experience.
First, detail the chapter's "Description (AI Context)" thoroughly, providing maximum factual detail on the intended events. Describe the overall situation and unfolding actions. Precision improves AI character performance. You are the author; the AI executes.
In the "Director's Note (AI Context)," thoroughly describe your characters' psychology and emotions for this specific chapter. Act as a director, giving emotional cues for a memorable experience.
Each chapter is designed to open with an introductory text and image, followed by an outro text and image. These are vital elements for linking each chapter together and then driving the narrative beyond the conversations your users will have with your characters. You are building a real show, so prepare your most compelling texts and your most beautiful images!
To stage your chapter, you will need to answer some simple questions: Who is in this scene? (who will your character interact with) Where is the action taking place when the chapter opens? (on a map, scene, or directly in a conversation) What will your player have to do? (give them objectives and goals to achieve)
In this section, simply choose the characters present in the current chapter with whom your player will be able to interact. It is not mandatory that each character carry specific conversation objectives. You can absolutely place a character there, who, like a real NPC, will be available for discussion, just for fun.
This is where you determine where your player will be parachuted when a new chapter opens. You can open your chapter on: A map (player explores to find places), A scene (player arrives directly, sees the visual and description), or A conversation (player is directly taken into dialogue without introduction - ideal for fast-paced scenes or when the character loses control).
We have just set the stage. This is an essential step, but what is probably the most important is still missing: giving the player objectives.
And this is where your storytelling and design talent comes into play.
Aarda offers you a rich set of tools that allow for many possible combinations, illustrating all sorts of potential adventures.