Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs

Lynda Clark; Divij Sood

doi:10.1145/3555858.3555867

Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs

Lynda Clark (Lead / Corresponding author), Divij Sood (Lead / Corresponding author)

Humanities

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper is a reflection on the process of designing and developing a character backstory generation system prototype following literary analysis of idealized textual outputs. An overview of previous generative systems (both academic and commercial) and some of the design priorities associated with these systems is described in order to set a context for the project. The design process is then described, with particular focus on the creation of the idealized outputs and their purpose. Finally, the learning outcomes following initial generative texts created by the prototype engine are shared, weighing the pros and cons of both the design approach, the resulting generator and its outputs.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	FDG'22
Subtitle of host publication	Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games
Editors	Kostas Karpouzis, Stefano Gualeni, Johanna Pirker, Allan Fowler
Place of Publication	New York
Publisher	Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Pages	1-9
Number of pages	9
ISBN (Electronic)	9781450397957
ISBN (Print)	9781450397957
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1145/3555858.3555867
Publication status	Published - 4 Nov 2022

Publication series

Name	ACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Keywords

Applied computing - Arts and Humanities
Text generation
narrative design
creative writing
literary analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Software
Human-Computer Interaction
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
Computer Networks and Communications

Access to Document

10.1145/3555858.3555867

Cite this

Clark, L., & Sood, D. (2022). Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs. In K. Karpouzis, S. Gualeni, J. Pirker, & A. Fowler (Eds.), FDG'22: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games (pp. 1-9). Article 29 (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series). Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). https://doi.org/10.1145/3555858.3555867

Clark, Lynda ; Sood, Divij. / Working Backwards : Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs. FDG'22: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games. editor / Kostas Karpouzis ; Stefano Gualeni ; Johanna Pirker ; Allan Fowler. New York : Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2022. pp. 1-9 (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series).

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abstract = "This paper is a reflection on the process of designing and developing a character backstory generation system prototype following literary analysis of idealized textual outputs. An overview of previous generative systems (both academic and commercial) and some of the design priorities associated with these systems is described in order to set a context for the project. The design process is then described, with particular focus on the creation of the idealized outputs and their purpose. Finally, the learning outcomes following initial generative texts created by the prototype engine are shared, weighing the pros and cons of both the design approach, the resulting generator and its outputs.",

keywords = "Applied computing - Arts and Humanities, Text generation, narrative design, creative writing, literary analysis",

author = "Lynda Clark and Divij Sood",

note = "Funding Information: This project is funded by InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, part of the AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Programme. Grant no: AH/S002871/1",

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Clark, L & Sood, D 2022, Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs. in K Karpouzis, S Gualeni, J Pirker & A Fowler (eds), FDG'22: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games., 29, ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), New York, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1145/3555858.3555867

Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs. / Clark, Lynda (Lead / Corresponding author); Sood, Divij (Lead / Corresponding author).
FDG'22: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games. ed. / Kostas Karpouzis; Stefano Gualeni; Johanna Pirker; Allan Fowler. New York: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2022. p. 1-9 29 (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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T1 - Working Backwards

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Clark L, Sood D. Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs. In Karpouzis K, Gualeni S, Pirker J, Fowler A, editors, FDG'22: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games. New York: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). 2022. p. 1-9. 29. (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series). doi: 10.1145/3555858.3555867

Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs

Abstract

Publication series

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

InGAME - Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise (Joint with Abertay University and St Andrews University)

Cite this

Working Backwards: Creating a Character Backstory Generation System Using Idealized Creative Writing Outputs

Abstract

Publication series

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

InGAME - Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise (Joint with Abertay University and St Andrews University)

Cite this