The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

When an offer isn’t fully defined, that’s an undefined offer. Undefined offers are ambiguous.

Nash points and says, “Look at that!” Ginny wonders aloud, “What’s he doing here?” Nash replies, “I don’t know. I just hope he brought it with him.”

This example is full of undefined offers. We don’t know what “that” is, who “he” is, or what “it” might be.

When doing space work, unseen, pantomimed objects are also undefined offers.

The ambiguity of undefined offers leaves story details undefined. It can also leave spects uncertain about what’s going on.

While establishing the context of a scene, notice when undefined offers leave things unclear, then clarify with defined offers. If things are nebulous, it becomes harder for everyone to play.

The ambiguity of an undefined offer can also be useful. It leaves room for important information to be revealed later on. It also invites spects to ask for more information or define the unclear story detail themselves.

But, if undefined offers leave things so vague that playing becomes difficult, it’s important to clarify with defined offers.