The relationship between linear media, such as literature and films, and tabletop roleplaying games has always been an area of interest for storytellers. On one hand, both forms of media aim to create immersive narratives that captivate an audience. On the other hand, they achieve this in very different ways. In linear media, the story is designed with a clear, predetermined path. The author or director controls every decision the protagonist makes and every reaction from the world around them.

In contrast, an RPG is a collaborative experience, where players not only drive the story but also act as both protagonists and the audience for the unfolding narrative. This introduces a level of unpredictability that linear media cannot account for, and that is both the beauty and challenge of RPGs. The question then arises: how can techniques from linear storytelling be applied to RPGs without losing the essential element of player agency?

Narrative Techniques and Player Agency

One of the most critical aspects of any RPG is player agency – the ability of players to make meaningful choices that influence the story. In contrast to films and books, where protagonists follow a predetermined arc, RPG protagonists are shaped by the players themselves. As both protagonists and audience, the players expect that their decisions will alter the course of the narrative.

The Role of the Throughline

A throughline is a recurring theme or narrative thread that holds the story together. In linear media, the throughline is tightly controlled by the author or director to guide the audience through the story’s emotional or thematic journey. In RPGs, while it can serve a similar function, it must remain flexible. The throughline in an RPG should not dictate the plot but instead serve as a thematic anchor that can adapt to the unpredictable actions of the players. This way, a story can feel cohesive even when players take it in unexpected directions.

A GM can employ a throughline to ensure that the game has a narrative backbone without limiting player choice. This might take the form of recurring motifs, characters, or events that resonate with the players’ decisions, ensuring that the story feels interconnected without being rigid. The key is to keep the throughline loose enough that the players’ actions still drive the overall narrative.

Meaningful Choices and the Risk of Predetermination

Meaningful choices are central to player engagement in RPGs. These are the decisions that not only affect the story but make the players feel that their characters are truly impacting the game world. However, one risk of borrowing too heavily from linear media is introducing predetermined outcomes that undermine the very concept of meaningful choices.

In a movie or novel, we know the protagonist’s choices are often symbolic – designed to lead them toward a specific end, whether they are aware of it or not. For instance, in a typical hero’s journey, the protagonist may seem to face choices, but their destiny is largely set in stone. The danger in RPGs is falling into the same trap, where players’ choices feel superficial, leading them to the same predetermined outcome regardless of what they do.

GMs should be mindful of this risk when adapting narrative techniques from linear media. The goal should be to provide players with choices that truly matter, where outcomes are not only influenced by their decisions but are unpredictable to both the GM and the players themselves. This sense of uncertainty keeps the narrative dynamic and ensures that the players remain invested in the story.

Protagonists and Audience: A Dual Role

The unique nature of RPGs lies in the fact that players take on the roles of both protagonists and audience. They are the heroes shaping the story through their actions, but they are also the audience, reacting to the story as it unfolds. This dual role adds a layer of complexity not found in linear media.

In films and books, the audience is passive, consuming a story that has already been written. In RPGs, the audience actively participates in the creation of the narrative. This means that GMs must balance providing a compelling story with allowing the players to shape it. The key is to ensure that the players feel both in control of their characters’ fates and invested in the narrative arc, while still experiencing moments of surprise and discovery.

Crafting a Dynamic Story Arc Without Sacrificing Flexibility

While techniques from linear media can inspire RPG storytelling, they must be adapted with care. One of the greatest strengths of RPGs is the flexibility of the story – something that is often missing in films or novels. The unpredictability of RPGs, driven by the players’ decisions, is what makes the medium so engaging. GMs must embrace this unpredictability while still drawing on narrative tools like thematic throughlines to provide structure.

The challenge is ensuring that this structure does not become a cage. In linear media, the story arc is predetermined; in RPGs, the arc should emerge organically from the players’ actions. By balancing this need for flexibility with the use of narrative techniques, GMs can create stories that are both engaging and player-driven.