The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Oblique and clarify is a technique that combines two types of offers to communicate a story element. A series of oblique offers imply the general idea, followed by a defined offer which makes it explicitly clear.

This tool is an elegant way to establish all kinds of story elements, including relationships, locations, activities, events, and space-work objects.

Tyree is establishing the location of a scene in an imagined-world story. As he mimes taking off his shoes, then puts on a different pair, he tells Piper, “I’m gonna grab some nachos before I hit the floor. You want anything?” Piper declines. Tyree picks up the imaginary shoes he removed, stands, and catches his balance. “I hope they play some decent music tonight, not stupid organ stuff.” He tucks the shoes into a small space and mimes locking them up. Tyree looks at Piper, who just sits there. He asks, “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted to go roller skating tonight.”

Sometimes, players can infer story elements from the oblique offers alone. Then, there’s no need to clarify. Otherwise, clarify what’s been implied with a defined offer.