Narratology and Narrative Design

In this lecture we get to know what narratology means and how they are created to make compelling story driven games and have a look at the hero's journey throughout the game.

Narratology is the study of narrative structure and the ways in which stories are told. It seeks to understand how stories are constructed and communicated, and how they impact their audience.

Narratology is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as literature, film studies, sociology, psychology, and media studies.

Narratology is concerned with various aspects of storytelling, including plot, character, setting, theme, and genre. It also explores the techniques and conventions used by storytellers, such as point of view, voice, and pacing.

In games, narratology can be used to analyze and understand the narrative elements and techniques used in game design. It can help game designers create engaging and meaningful stories, and can inform the development of game mechanics that support and enhance the story. A narrative game should include the following elements:

The hero's journey is a storytelling framework that outlines the basic structure of a hero's adventure. This structure is often used in games, especially in role-playing games (RPGs), to provide a sense of progression and development for the player character.

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” – Christopher Reeve

The hero's journey consists of several stages, including:

  1. The Call to Adventure: The hero is presented with a challenge or problem that requires their intervention.
  2. Refusal of the Call: The hero initially resists or rejects the call to adventure.
  3. Meeting the Mentor: The hero meets a wise and experienced figure who provides guidance and support.
  4. Crossing the Threshold: The hero embarks on their journey and leaves the safety of their familiar world.
  5. Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero encounters various challenges, allies, and enemies, and begins to develop their skills and abilities.
  6. Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero reaches a climax, where they face their greatest challenge and confront their innermost fears.
  7. The Supreme Ordeal: The hero must overcome the climax and prove their worth.
  8. Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero receives a reward or power for their accomplishments.
  9. The Road Back: The hero returns to their familiar world, changed by their experiences.
  10. The Resurrection: The hero is transformed and reborn, gaining a new understanding of themselves and the world.
  11. Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to their community, bringing the gifts or knowledge they have gained on their journey.

By following the hero's journey structure, games can provide a sense of progression and development for the player character, as well as a compelling and meaningful story. It allows for exploration of the hero's growth and transformation, as well as opportunities for the player to make choices and shape the outcome of the story. The hero's journey is a powerful tool for game developers, and is a key element in many of the most memorable and successful games.

The villain's journey in games is similar to the hero's journey, but instead of following the arc of a protagonist, it follows the arc of the primary antagonist or villain. Just like the hero's journey, the villain's journey provides a structure for the player to understand the motivations and actions of the villain, and can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of the game's story.

“Every villian is a hero in his own mind.” - Tom Hiddleston


The stages of the villain's journey may include:
  1. The Call to Evil: The villain is presented with a challenge or opportunity to pursue their goals through nefarious means.
  2. Embracing the Call: The villain fully embraces their evil intentions and sets out on their path.
  3. Acquiring Power: The villain gains power, resources, and followers in order to further their goals.
  4. Confronting the Hero: The villain and the hero cross paths, setting the stage for a conflict.
  5. The Climax: The villain reaches their peak, where they attempt to achieve their ultimate goal, often resulting in a final confrontation with the hero.
  6. The Fall: The villain experiences defeat, either through their own actions or as a result of the hero's actions.
  7. Redemption or Damnation: Depending on the story, the villain may experience redemption or be doomed to suffer the consequences of their actions.
By following the villain's journey structure, games can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of the story, and allow players to explore the motivations and actions of the villain. This can result in a more engaging and memorable player experience, as well as a greater appreciation for the game's story.
If I create a narrative game in the future, I would like to come up with a compelling story which not only takes the hero's journey into consederation but also takes the villan's journey. Most of the time not a lot of depth is given to the villan's character growth and his backstory. By giving an insight into the villan's perspective I think we can create an even more immersive story. Who knows maybe the players may choose to be in the dark side.....

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