Here are the Principles of Narrative Design, which focus on crafting engaging and coherent storytelling in games, interactive experiences, or traditional media:

• Every narrative element should serve a purpose, advancing the plot, deepening character development, or enriching the world-building.

• Avoid extraneous details that don’t contribute to the player’s or audience’s understanding or engagement.

• In interactive narratives, give the audience choices that feel meaningful.

• The decisions should have consequences that impact the story, character relationships, or the world, creating a sense of control and involvement.

• The story should be grounded in a believable and consistent world.

• Use environmental storytelling—like objects, settings, and background details—to reveal history, culture, and context without overt exposition.

• Develop relatable, multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations.

• Characters should evolve throughout the story, reflecting their experiences and choices.

• Balance moments of action, tension, and resolution to maintain engagement.

• Follow classic structures (e.g., three-act structure, hero’s journey) or adapt them to fit the medium.

• Conflict drives narrative tension and keeps audiences invested.

• Clearly define what’s at stake and why the audience or player should care.

• Create moments that evoke emotions—joy, sadness, fear, triumph.

• Use personal struggles, unexpected twists, or heartwarming connections to leave a lasting impact.

• Incorporate overarching themes to add depth and meaning.

• Subtext allows audiences to infer deeper ideas, making the story more engaging and thought-provoking.

• Narrative and mechanics should complement each other.

• Use the medium’s interactivity to reinforce storytelling, such as character development through gameplay actions.

• Avoid convoluted storytelling; ensure the audience understands key events and motivations.

• Use clear language, visual cues, or dialogue to guide understanding without over-explaining.

• Design branching paths, alternate endings, or hidden details to encourage revisiting the story.

• Make choices feel different upon replay, reinforcing the narrative’s depth.