The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

There’s a big difference between “I like your house.” and “ I can’t believe you own a beach bungalow here in Malibu.” The difference is the detail that paints a specific picture.

Details and specifics are important because they make fictional elements seem real. The generic idea of “going back home” becomes more real when it’s “going back to my folk’s duplex in Denver.”

Here are a couple of tips when creating details and specifics.

Use names – Characters, locations, and objects seem more real when you refer to them by name. “The hardware store” is generic. “Henderson’s Lumber Emporium” is specific.

Include descriptive details – You sound like you know what you’re talking about when you include descriptive details. “The report” sounds generic. “Last year’s compliance report” sounds legit.

Details and specifics are useful in many situations.

Making offers – “You’ve been accepted into the medical program at Stanford University.”

Building on offers – “We’re going out tomorrow.” “Yeah, Club Karma. I hear DJ Bilbo is awesome!”

Answering questions – “Where are you going on holiday?” “Kinsey Cottage. It’s a cute little bed and breakfast in Cornwall.”

Making small talk – “I adopted a Labradoodle named Boopsy. She’s got hip problems, but she’s hypoallergenic.”

Creating backstory – “CP&E gave your grandfather this gold watch when he retired. He’d want you to have it.”

Generating details and specifics takes practice. The skills of association and random access make it easier. When you’re about to make a generic offer, include details and specifics, but don’t go overboard. A little bit goes a long way. Too much detail feels like bad exposition.

When details and specifics show up, lock the particulars in your memory. It’s material that can be reified and reincorporated down the line. Remembering the information also keeps you from accidentally contradicting it later in the story.

Playing in fiction is easier (and more fun) when things feel real. Details and specifics make fictional worlds feel like the real deal.