Advanced Story Visualization and Graph Model

[toymak3r]

Overview

Implement advanced story visualization features including visual graph models, story flow diagrams, and interactive story mapping tools that complement the timeline view.

Background

While the timeline view provides a linear representation of story progression, advanced visualization tools are needed to understand complex branching narratives, character relationships, and story structure. This includes graph-based visualizations similar to mind mapping tools.

Requirements

Graph-Based Story Visualization

• Story Graph Model
  • Interactive node-based graph visualization
  • Visual representation of story nodes and connections
  • Multiple layout algorithms (hierarchical, force-directed, circular)
  • Zoom and pan controls for large story graphs
• Node Type Visualization
  • Dialog Nodes: Character speech and interactions
  • Decision Nodes: Choice points with branching paths
  • History Arcs: Character development and story progression
  • Condition Nodes: Logic gates and conditional branching
  • Effect Nodes: Game state changes and consequences
  • Event Nodes: Story events and plot points
• Connection Visualization
  • Story Flow Connectors: Visual paths showing story progression
  • Choice Connectors: Lines showing decision outcomes
  • Conditional Connectors: Logic-based connections
  • Character Relationship Lines: Visual character interaction paths

Character-Based Visual Features

• Character Color Coding System
  • Each character assigned a unique color palette
  • Visual indication of speaking character in each node
  • Character-specific node styling and borders
  • Color-coded connection lines for character interactions
• Character Track Visualization
  • Horizontal character tracks in timeline view
  • Character avatars and portraits in nodes
  • Character-specific node clustering
  • Character interaction frequency visualization

Interactive Story Mapping

• Story Path Management
  • Create and edit multiple story paths
  • Visual path highlighting and navigation
  • Path comparison and analysis tools
  • Path complexity metrics and visualization
• Story Arc Tracking
  • Visual representation of story arcs and subplots
  • Character development tracking over time
  • Story beat identification and marking
  • Arc completion and progression indicators

Advanced Visualization Features

• 3D Story Visualization
  • Three-dimensional story graph rendering
  • Depth-based story layering
  • Interactive 3D navigation
  • VR/AR story exploration (future enhancement)
• Story Flow Analytics
  • Story complexity analysis
  • Branching depth visualization
  • Player choice impact analysis
  • Story balance and pacing indicators

Integration with Existing Systems

• Timeline Integration
  • Synchronized views between timeline and graph
  • Cross-view navigation and selection
  • Shared editing operations
  • Consistent visual styling
• Character System Integration
  • Link with existing character management
  • Character relationship visualization
  • Character screen time analysis
  • Character interaction patterns

Technical Details

Technology Stack

• Graph Visualization: D3.js, vis.js, or Cytoscape.js for graph rendering
• 3D Visualization: Three.js for 3D story graphs
• Layout Algorithms: Force-directed, hierarchical, and circular layouts
• Performance: WebGL rendering for large graphs

Graph Data Structure

class StoryGraph {
    constructor() {
        this.nodes = new Map();
        this.edges = new Map();
        this.characters = new Map();
        this.paths = new Map();
        this.layout = 'force-directed';
    }
    
    // Graph operations
    addNode(node);
    addEdge(fromNode, toNode, type, data);
    removeNode(nodeId);
    removeEdge(edgeId);
    
    // Layout operations
    setLayout(algorithm);
    applyLayout();
    centerOnNode(nodeId);
    fitToView();
}

class StoryNode {
    constructor(id, type, data) {
        this.id = id;
        this.type = type;
        this.data = data;
        this.position = { x: 0, y: 0, z: 0 };
        this.characterId = data.characterId;
        this.color = this.getCharacterColor();
        this.size = this.getNodeSize();
        this.shape = this.getNodeShape();
    }
    
    getCharacterColor() {
        return this.characterId ? getCharacterColor(this.characterId) : getNodeTypeColor(this.type);
    }
    
    getNodeSize() {
        // Size based on node importance or content length
        return this.data.importance || 1.0;
    }
    
    getNodeShape() {
        // Different shapes for different node types
        const shapes = {
            'dialog': 'circle',
            'decision': 'diamond',
            'condition': 'hexagon',
            'effect': 'square',
            'history': 'star'
        };
        return shapes[this.type] || 'circle';
    }
}

class StoryEdge {
    constructor(id, fromNode, toNode, type, data) {
        this.id = id;
        this.fromNode = fromNode;
        this.toNode = toNode;
        this.type = type;
        this.data = data;
        this.color = this.getEdgeColor();
        this.width = this.getEdgeWidth();
        this.style = this.getEdgeStyle();
    }
    
    getEdgeColor() {
        // Color based on connection type or character interaction
        const colors = {
            'story-flow': '#4CAF50',
            'choice': '#FF9800',
            'condition': '#2196F3',
            'character-interaction': '#9C27B0'
        };
        return colors[this.type] || '#666666';
    }
    
    getEdgeWidth() {
        // Width based on connection strength or importance
        return this.data.strength || 1.0;
    }
    
    getEdgeStyle() {
        // Style based on connection type
        const styles = {
            'story-flow': 'solid',
            'choice': 'dashed',
            'condition': 'dotted',
            'character-interaction': 'solid'
        };
        return styles[this.type] || 'solid';
    }
}

Layout Algorithms

class GraphLayoutManager {
    constructor(graph) {
        this.graph = graph;
        this.currentLayout = 'force-directed';
    }
    
    // Force-directed layout (default)
    applyForceDirectedLayout() {
        // D3 force simulation for natural node positioning
    }
    
    // Hierarchical layout
    applyHierarchicalLayout() {
        // Tree-like structure for story progression
    }
    
    // Circular layout
    applyCircularLayout() {
        // Circular arrangement for character interactions
    }
    
    // Character-based clustering
    applyCharacterClustering() {
        // Group nodes by character with visual separation
    }
}

Character Color System

class CharacterColorManager {
    constructor() {
        this.characterColors = new Map();
        this.colorPalette = [
            '#FF6B6B', '#4ECDC4', '#45B7D1', '#96CEB4',
            '#FFEAA7', '#DDA0DD', '#98D8C8', '#F7DC6F',
            '#BB8FCE', '#85C1E9', '#F8C471', '#82E0AA'
        ];
    }
    
    assignColor(characterId) {
        if (!this.characterColors.has(characterId)) {
            const colorIndex = this.characterColors.size % this.colorPalette.length;
            this.characterColors.set(characterId, this.colorPalette[colorIndex]);
        }
        return this.characterColors.get(characterId);
    }
    
    getCharacterColor(characterId) {
        return this.characterColors.get(characterId) || '#CCCCCC';
    }
    
    updateCharacterColor(characterId, color) {
        this.characterColors.set(characterId, color);
    }
}

Acceptance Criteria

• Story graph renders correctly with all node types
• Character color coding works for all characters
• Multiple layout algorithms function properly
• Interactive features (zoom, pan, select) work smoothly
• Story paths are clearly visualized with proper connectors
• Integration with timeline view functions correctly
• Performance is acceptable with large story graphs
• Export functionality works for all visualization types

Priority

Medium - This complements the timeline view and provides advanced visualization capabilities.

Labels

• enhancement
• visualization
• graph-model
• story-mapping
• short-term
• medium-priority

Estimated Effort

• Graph Visualization: 4-5 weeks
• Character Integration: 2-3 weeks
• Layout Algorithms: 2-3 weeks
• Integration & Testing: 2-3 weeks

Future Enhancements

• VR/AR Story Exploration: Immersive story visualization
• AI-Powered Layout: Automatic optimal graph layout
• Real-time Collaboration: Multi-user story graph editing
• Advanced Analytics: Story complexity and balance analysis
• Interactive Storytelling: Direct story creation in graph view