tyle is the method you use in constructing your story. It describes how the subplots tie in with the main plot and how characters interact with the environment you have chosen. Style is the thread from which your story is woven. Without style, a story has no cohesive form and might become boring for your players. You need to develop and hone your style so as to be able to craft a finely tuned story, with many layers and intricacies for players to explore.

Main Plot

The main plot, or metaplot, is the root of a story, and any other lesser plots will grow from the main plot. The main plot is what brings characters together, unifying their attention. The main plot of a story should be all encompassing, in that all characters should be affected by it in at least a minor fashion. The main plot should illuminate every other aspect of the story. Not all of them need to be touched by it directly, but each character should be aware of the main plot at least on some peripheral level.

Subplots

In most novels and movies, subplots are just filler material. They are essential to Mind’s Eye Theatre. Subplots keep characters busy and carry them from moment to moment. They are the stories that are woven around the characters. A story gives players ample opportunities to explore subplots, and due to the unique nature of this sort of game, subplots can be taken as far as the players want to take them.

Each character should be involved in as many subplots as possible. A subplot can be any personal goal a character is trying to accomplish. Subplots should be crafted so as to intermingle with one another, so that characters become embroiled in a web of intrigue.

The more layers of intrigue in a story, the more players enjoy untangling them. Indeed, if your setting is intricate enough, you may find players developing subplots of their own, adding to the confusion. This should be encouraged, because it helps the story grow and gives it a life of its own.

A subplot can sometimes be almost as large in scope as the main plot, the difference being that it is not necessary for everyone to be involved. However, you should take care that the subplot does not override the main plot.

Character Relations

Character interaction is a part of every story and every chronicle. Intricate character interaction is essential to a story. That is not to say that all characters will get along harmoniously – character strife is usually much more interesting. However, making sure that characters relate to one another requires a bit of planning on all your part. Making sure that players create backgrounds for their characters helps, as it gives you more material to work with to create common ground for wraiths. Spreading rumors that provide incentive for discussion, trade, and cooperation is another good way to go, as is the inclusion of a nasty villain who will force characters at least to discuss working together.

Multiple Goals

Each of us possesses a multitude of goals and ambitions. Many of them conflict, and we have to choose between them. For instance, you might want to go to the movies on the same day you want to visit a friend. Multiple goals complicate matters, and while in real life that can be bothersome, in this game it only adds to the excitement. The more complicated you can make things, the better.

Complications such as multiple goals give characters depth and keep players busy. A player with several goals is usually occupied throughout the course of a story and is rarely bored. Indeed, if players with multiple goals achieve even one of those goals, they probably leave the story with a sense of accomplishment.