Interactive storytelling represents a convergence of traditional narrative structures and dynamic user engagement, wherein the audience actively influences the progression of events within a fictional world. Rooted in the cognitive mechanism of narrative intelligence—the brain’s innate capacity to process and make sense of experiences through stories—interactive narratives build upon our evolutionary predisposition for immersion in narrative formats. This neurological foundation enables users to experience deeper cognitive and emotional engagement when interacting with story-driven systems. The design of interactive stories demands a shift in focus from storytelling to narrative architecture. Scholars such as Hartmut Koenitz have highlighted that, in interactive media, there is no fixed story to tell; instead, designers construct a system of possibilities that users navigate. Central to this approach is the tension between user agency and narrative coherence. Interactive systems must balance structured emotional arcs with freedom of interaction, often through intricate control of narrative elements such as “cut sequences” or contextual triggers. From a structural perspective, interactive storytelling can be categorized into plot-based and character-based models. Plot-based systems prioritize the overarching moral and intention of the narrative, allowing for consistent thematic delivery despite user decisions. In contrast, character-based systems emphasize behavioral modeling and relational dynamics among virtual agents, affording more nuanced interactions but often at the cost of narrative consistency. Each model brings distinct affordances and limitations, as outlined by comparative studies in digital storytelling frameworks (e.g., Cai et al., 2007), and contemporary research increasingly explores hybrid solutions that aim to reconcile narrative coherence with emergent interactivity.