16 Shades

Theater · 003

Can you say that another way?

The one who knows you best may know just how to annoy you. A feature born from an argument.

Updated · This is a fictional character story.

Open immersive reader

Dialogue and scene descriptions

The cover shows Smiler, Pursuer, and Raider discussing character relationships around a table.

1. Cover: The one who knows you best may annoy you most

The cover shows Smiler, Pursuer, and Raider discussing character relationships around a table.

The one who knows you best may know just how to annoy you.

How an argument became a feature

16 Shades

Character relationships?

Three colleagues start with “Character relationships?” and propose choosing two people, close bonds, and counter-moves.

2. What should the relationship feature do?

Three colleagues start with “Character relationships?” and propose choosing two people, close bonds, and counter-moves.

What should this relationship feature actually do?

Pick any two characters. See what happens between them.

Close bonds first. No one can get through to him—except the person who knows what he’s waiting for.

Knowing what he’s waiting for also tells you how to block him.

No problem. I just—

Character relationships?

Close bonds

Knows

Smiler and Pursuer keep finishing each other’s sentences while Raider asks them to put the proposal on the page.

3. Finish the sentence, then pick it apart

Smiler and Pursuer keep finishing each other’s sentences while Raider asks them to put the proposal on the page.

…I just—

—have a good memory. That’s what you were about to say.

We’ve barely started. How long will you keep asking?

Let me get this—

—straight. Every last detail.

Fine. Suggest something—

—better? Let me finish. Then pick it apart.

Suggest it. Get it on the page.

The team adds “Rivals” to the relationship feature and argues over keeping close bonds.

4. Call counter-moves rivals

The team adds “Rivals” to the relationship feature and argues over keeping close bonds.

Knowing someone doesn’t have to mean romance. What about seeing through their moves?

Who sees through whom first. Who stops the other in—

—mid-sentence. Exactly. Write that.

Call it “Rivals.” Like you.

You do plenty of that.

So the Close bonds one—

Stays.

I said add.

Fine. Allies stay too.

They decide the same pair can switch situations while preserving how each side sees the other.

5. The same pair in another situation

They decide the same pair can switch situations while preserving how each side sees the other.

Build both separately? Make people choose twice?

They only need to choose once—

The same pair, a different situation. Keep both sides connected.

What about working together? Just talks and fights?

Write that too. One person steps in, the other fills—

—the gap. Then we still get to hear him pretend to be polite.

Fine. Allies stay.

The sketch labels the current story and two views: this side sees the other, and the other side sees this side.

6. Keep both perspectives

The sketch labels the current story and two views: this side sees the other, and the other side sees this side.

Pick two characters. Three stories to switch between. Both views below.

Change stories without choosing again.

Two—

People stay the same. Got it.

Then start with—

Broker and Puppet Master. You already wrote them down.

I’ll say this one myself.

I know.

Good. This feature can work.

Close bonds

Allies

Rivals

Current story

This side sees the other

The other sees this side

The page connects two people, close bonds/allies/rivals, and both views into an implementable feature.

7. Three stories can switch

The page connects two people, close bonds/allies/rivals, and both views into an implementable feature.

One pair of characters, three story directions

Broker × Puppet Master | The Chip Table

Close bonds: At an auction, Broker turns down a higher offer while Puppet Master saves him a seat by the window.

Allies: One coordinates interests and favors; the other arranges the order so everyone stays at the same table.

Rivals: One accepts the higher offer; the other insists on the original arrangement, and old favors become leverage.

See both sides: how each sees the other

Broker on Puppet Master: I need your coordination, but I’m afraid you’ll steer me.

Puppet Master on Broker: You bring resources. Would you switch sides for a better offer?

Choose any two characters → Switch between Close bonds / Allies / Rivals

The product page shows three relationship states for Broker and Puppet Master, ending with “Can you say that another way?”.

8. One pair, three story directions

The product page shows three relationship states for Broker and Puppet Master, ending with “Can you say that another way?”.

Same two characters. Three different stories.

Broker × Puppet Master | The Chip Table

Three contexts · Adapted excerpts

Close bonds: After the auction, Broker turns down a higher offer. Puppet Master saves him the window seat.

Allies: One balances interests and relationships. The other arranges the order, keeping everyone at the same table.

Rivals: One takes a higher offer. The other insists on the original plan. Old goodwill becomes leverage.

How they see each other

Broker on Puppet Master: I need your coordination. I’m wary of you pulling my strings.

Puppet Master on Broker: You bring resources. Will a higher offer make you switch sides?

Pick any two → Close bonds / Allies / Rivals

For reading and discussion. Real relationships depend on the people and situation.

I’ll get back to it. You two—

Can you say something else?!

Fine.

Theater · I have a dream.