Two Dimensions for classifying interactive digital narratives

In this paper, I introduce two dimensions for classifying interactive digital narratives to allow comparisons between works in different traditions with the aim to improve the dialogue across these divides. Electronic literature and other forms of interactive digital narratives exist in many forms, amongst them Interactive Fiction (IF), hypertext fiction (HF), narrative-focused video games, interactive documentaries, art installations and VR/AR works. Between these different forms, underlying models, artistic approaches and descriptive vocabulary differ considerably. I propose to map different works and positions along the dimensions of narrative status and player/interactor role. These two dimensions enable comparisons and are a stepping stone towards a more developed analytical matrix in the future