Description
Book SynopsisThis is the third edition of Character Development and Storytelling for Games, a standard work in the field that brings all of the teaching from the first two books up to date and tackles the new challenges of today. Professional game writer and designer Lee Sheldon combines his experience and expertise in this updated edition. New examples, new game types, and new challenges throughout the text highlight the fundamentals of character writing and storytelling.
But this book is not just a box of techniques for writers of video games. It is an exploration of the roots of character development and storytelling that readers can trace from Homer to Chaucer to Cervantes to Dickens and even Mozart. Many contemporary writers also contribute insights from books, plays, television, films, and, yes, games.
Sheldon and his contributors emphasize the importance of creative instinct and listening to the inner voice that guides successful game writers and designers. Join him on
Table of Contents
Preface to the Third Edition. Acknowledgments. About the Author. Introduction. Part I Background. Chapter 1 Equations. Chapter 2 The Story Remains the Same. Part II Creating Characters. Chapter 3 Respecting Characters. Chapter 4 Character Roles. Chapter 5 Character Traits. Chapter 6 Character Encounters. Part III Telling the Story. Chapter 7 Once Upon a Time. Chapter 8 Respecting Story. Chapter 9 Bringing the Story to Life. Chapter 10 Games: Charting New Territory. Chapter 11 Story Anatomy. Chapter 12 Editing. Chapter 13 The Roots of a New Storytelling. Chapter 14 Modular Storytelling. Part IV Games People Play Today. Chapter 15 Game Types. Chapter 16 Game Genres. Chapter 17 Storytelling in Virtual Worlds. Chapter 18 Storytelling in Small Games. Chapter 19 Storytelling in Applied Games. Part V Reflections. Chapter 20 Postlude: Endgame. INDEX.
