Narrative Design Patterns

1. Linear with Branches

  • Main story spine
  • Optional side quests
  • Return to main path
  • Supplementary content

Example:

plaintextCopyMain Story → Branch Option → Return to Main
     ↓          ↓
  Progress   Side Content
     ↓          ↓
   Ending    Rejoin Main

2. Web Structure

  • Multiple interconnected paths
  • No single “main” route
  • Complex decision web
  • Multiple valid endings

3. Hub and Spoke

  • Central hub area
  • Multiple independent branches
  • Return to hub option
  • Modular content structure