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Digital Initiatives Toolkit: E-Literature and Games with Twine

What is Twine?

Twine is a free, open-source tool for creating interactive, nonlinear stories and text-based games. Students can build choose-your-own-adventure narratives, branching scenarios, educational simulations, and experimental digital literature without needing to code (though coding is possible for advanced users).

Why use Twine?

✓ Develops narrative thinking - Students map complex story structures and decision trees
✓ Teaches digital rhetoric - Interactive storytelling requires audience awareness
✓ No coding required - Visual interface makes it accessible to all students
✓ Encourages creativity - Combines writing, design, and logic
✓ Builds computational thinking - Students learn conditional logic and variables

Technical Requirements

  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • No installation needed for web version
  • Desktop app available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • No special hardware required
  • Published stories work on any device with a browser
  • No internet needed for desktop version

Getting Started in 3 Steps

1. ACCESS TWINE

  • Option A: Use the online version at twinery.org (no download needed)

  • Option B: Download the desktop app for offline work
  • No account required, but save your work regularly

2. CREATE YOUR FIRST STORY

  • Click "+ Story" to create a new project

  • Double-click the starting passage to edit
  • Write text and create links using double brackets: [[Next Page]]
  • Click Play to test your story

3. BUILD BRANCHING NARRATIVES

  • Each [[link]] creates a new passage automatically

  • Drag passages around to visualize story structure
  • Add multiple choices per passage for branching paths
  • Publish to HTML file: Build > Publish to File

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"My links don't work"
→ Check spelling - link text must EXACTLY match the passage name (case-sensitive)

"I accidentally deleted a passage"
→ Press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z) immediately to undo, or restore from an archived version

"How do I save my work?"
→ Online version saves automatically to browser. Desktop version: Build > Publish to File or use Story > Archive

"My story disappeared"
→ Browser storage can be cleared. Always Archive your stories regularly and save the HTML file

"I want to add images/sound"
→ Use HTML tags: <img src="URL"> or <audio> tags. Images must be hosted online or use data URIs

Resources and Support

Official Guide: twinery.org/wiki
Interactive Tutorial: twinery.org/cookbook (excellent starting point)
Harlowe Documentation: twine2.neocities.org
Video Tutorials: Search "Twine tutorial" on YouTube
Community Forum: intfiction.org/c/authoring/twine
Example Games: textadventures.co.uk/games (for inspiration)

Sample Assignments

Interactive Fiction
Students write creative stories with multiple endings based on reader choices.

Historical Simulations
Create "You are a..." scenarios where students experience historical events from different perspectives.

Case Study Scenarios
Business, nursing, or social work students navigate ethical dilemmas with branching consequences.

Language Learning Adventures
Foreign language students create choice-based stories to practice vocabulary and grammar.

Theoretical Concept Mapping
Students visualize complex theories or arguments as interactive, explorable diagrams.

Scientific Process Games
Students create interactive explanations of experiments, biological processes, or chemical reactions.

Grading Tips

Consider a rubric that addresses narrative craft and interactivity:

Narrative Quality (40%)

  • Writing clarity and style
  • Character development
  • Story coherence and theme

Interactive Design (40%)

  • Meaningful choices that affect outcomes
  • Logical branching structure
  • Multiple paths or endings
  • Navigation clarity

Technical Execution (20%)

  • No broken links
  • Clean formatting
  • Functional mechanics
  • Creative use of Twine features

Basic Twine Syntax Cheat Sheet

Create a link: [[Link Text]]
Link to specific passage: [[Click here|Passage Name]]
Add emphasis: //italic// **bold**
Insert image: <img src="image-url.jpg">
Add variables (Harlowe): (set: $name to "Alice")
Display variable: $name
Conditional text: (if: $score > 10)[You win!]

Sharing Student Work

Method 1: Publish to File
Students export HTML file and upload to your LMS or personal website

Method 2: Philome.la
Free hosting service specifically for Twine stories (philome.la)

Method 3: Itch.io
Game hosting platform where students can publish and share Twine games (itch.io)

Method 4: Google Drive
Upload HTML file to Drive and share link (recipients can download and open)

Key Features

Visual Story Map - See the entire narrative structure at a glance with connected passages

Link Syntax - Simple [[double bracket]] syntax creates clickable links between passages

Styling Options - Change fonts, colors, backgrounds, and layouts (CSS knowledge helpful but not required)

Variables & Logic - Track inventory, points, character stats using simple code (optional, for advanced projects)

Multiple Story Formats - Choose Harlowe (default, beginner-friendly), Snowman, or SugarCube for different features

Publish to HTML - Export as a single HTML file that works in any web browser

Best Practices

✓ Start simple - Begin with linear stories before adding complex branching
✓ Map it out first - Sketch story structure on paper before building in Twine
✓ Test frequently - Play your story often to catch broken links or logic errors
✓ Name passages clearly - Use descriptive titles for easier navigation
✓ Save often - Use the archive feature to create backups
✓ Limit scope - 10-20 passages is often enough for meaningful projects

Twine Story Formats

Harlowe (Default) - Most beginner-friendly, good documentation, built-in styling
SugarCube - Most powerful, game-like features, best for complex projects
Snowman - Minimalist, requires more coding knowledge, maximum customization

Start with Harlowe unless you have specific needs.