An Introduction to Narrative Generators
Rafael Pérez y Pérez, Mike Sharples · 2023
Abstract This book describes how computer programs can generate narratives and how studies of computational narrative can illuminate how humans tell stories. It is designed for readers with little or no background in computer science but who are interested in understanding the core processes underlying AI systems. We refer to this phenomenon as the AI knowledge gap. This book contributes to filling the AI knowledge gap in the field of automatic narrative generation and to enhancing the dissemination of information about automatic storytelling. The book introduces the most relevant techniques employed over the past 60 years for the development of computer models for narrative generation, avoiding, as much as possible, the use of technical language. The techniques studied are narrative templates, problem-solving, planning, author engagement and reflection, and statistical methods such as deep neural networks. Throughout the book, we offer introductions to relevant concepts related to automatic storytelling, followed by descriptions of well-known computer programs that illustrate how such concepts are employed. The book compares ways that researchers have characterized the automatic generation of narratives and covers the core properties that distinguish this area of knowledge. In the final chapter, we reflect on some of the implications for society from the development of automatic narrative generator systems.