Is the Wolf Angry or... Just Hungry? --Inspecting, modifying and sharing characters' minds

摘要

In this paper we will discuss different types of control over synthetic characters in interactive stories. We will argue that, to attain a deeper and more engaging control, in certain conditions, users should be able to inspect, disclose, and modify the characters minds. To illustrate this idea, we will present a collaborative virtual environment called Teatrix, designed for children to build their own stories -fairy tales. In Teatrix, virtual actors play roles (such as: villain, hero, etc.) and may be controlled either by children or by the system. Teatrix allows children to go into the minds of the characters through a special tool named "Hot Seating". Teatrix is already in use by children ages between 7 and 9 in the context of a Computer integrated Classroom (CiC) scenario installed in a school. The initial evaluations show that the use of the "Hot Seating" tool is a fundamental element for children to feel in control of their characters and thus stay in character for their virtual performances.