Dimensions of Narrative Agency in the Age of Automatic Content Creation

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Dr. Mika Letonsaari
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7249-8632
Dr. Dang Tri-Dung
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5052-3027
Dr. Do Tri-Cuong
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2422-7926

In this article, a two-dimensional framework is presented for analyzing narrative agency in digital media. Narrative experiences are positioned along two intersecting axes: the degree of agency afforded to users and the origin of narrative content, ranging from fully authored to fully algorithmic. The framework has been informed by concepts from narratology, game studies, and media theory.
It is applied to explore how different forms of storytelling, including games, journalism, and generative systems, support varying levels of user participation in shaping narrative meaning. Through case-based analysis and theoretical synthesis, systemic narrative agency is defined as a media-general phenomenon, with medium-specific factors noted in application.
Conceptual tools are offered for interpreting the implications of procedural and AI-assisted storytelling, and traditional assumptions about authorship, participation, and narrative structure are critically re-evaluated in the context of emerging digital practices.

Keywords
Framework, Generative AI, Game studies, Narrative design space, Storytelling, Interactive narrative, Narrative agency

Article Details

How to Cite
Letonsaari, Mika et al. “Dimensions of Narrative Agency in the Age of Automatic Content Creation”. Hipertext.net, 2025, no. 31, pp. 25-39, doi:10.31009/hipertext.net.2025.i31.04.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

(c) Dr. Mika Letonsaari, Tri-Dung Dang, Dr. Do Tri-Cuong , 2025


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Author Biographies

Dr. Mika Letonsaari, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam

Mika Letonsaari is a lecturer, researcher, and technology generalist at the Institute of Intelligent and Interactive Technologies, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland in 2021, and holds an M.Sc. (Tech.) in Engineering Physics from Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. His work explores how STEM learning can be reimagined through nonlinear and gamified storytelling. These narrative forms share deep structural parallels with programming logic and computational thinking, providing an accessible entry point for learners who may find traditional technical instruction challenging. By leveraging storytelling, he develops approaches that make programming and systems thinking more inclusive, intuitive, and engaging. He has applied this method across a wide range of contexts, from fundamental computational concepts to designing games, simulations, and even programming industrial robots using natural language storytelling. Beyond educational practice, his research also engages with broader philosophical and social questions related to agency, authorship, and how to understand and interact with emerging intelligent technologies through narrative frameworks.

Dr. Dang Tri-Dung , University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam

 Dang Tri-Dung received his B.S. degree in Mechatronics from Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology and Education, Viet Nam in 2013 and Ph.D. from University of Ulsan, Korea in 2019. He is currently working as lecturer in College of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – UEH University, Vietnam. His research interests include energy management system, hydraulic system, PEM fuel cell vehicles, mechanism and control design for wave energy converter and wind turbine system, mechatronics system, technology and education.

Dr. Do Tri-Cuong , University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City UEH University, Vietnam

Do Tri-Cuong received the B.S. degree in School of Transportation Engineering from Ha Noi University of Science and Technology, Viet Nam in 2017, the M.Sc. and the Ph.D. degrees in School of Mechanical Engineering from University of Ulsan, Korea in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Currently, he is working as lecturer in Institute of Intelligent and Interactive Technologies in University of Economics Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam. His research interests include energy harvesting, innovative powertrain, renewable energy, and optimization control.

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