Personality in interaction: how the Big Five relate to the reception of interactive narratives

Abstract

In this study, we explore how users’ personalities affect their responses to interactive narratives. In particular, we analyze the relationship between personality traits and relevant variables in narrative reception: identification with characters, enjoyment, self-perceived physiological sensations, emotional experience and content. Experimental participants (N=310) answered the NEO- FFI personality questionnaire and watched a movie in one of four experimental conditions that combined modality (interactive vs. linear) and content (happy vs. tragic end). Results suggest that personality traits influence users’ responses to fiction and interactivity.

Keywords

• personality
• interactivity
• narratives
• identification with characters
• enjoyment