Meaning: The quote "This means keeping many trails open at once, inevitably requiring a fairly 'parallel' plot. This plot should be discovered rather than announced, so show, don't tell." by Graham Nelson, a mathematician and interactive fiction author, encapsulates an essential principle of storytelling and game design. By examining the quote, we can understand the significance of maintaining multiple narrative paths and the importance of allowing the plot to unfold organically through the experience of the audience or player.

Nelson's reference to "keeping many trails open at once" suggests the idea of offering multiple potential storylines or narrative threads within a work of fiction or an interactive experience. In traditional linear storytelling, the plot follows a single, predetermined path, leading the audience through a sequence of events with a clear beginning, middle, and end. However, in interactive fiction, video games, and other nonlinear storytelling formats, the narrative may branch out into different directions, offering choices and consequences that shape the overall experience.

The concept of a "fairly 'parallel' plot" implies that these multiple narrative paths should coexist and develop simultaneously, akin to parallel lines that never intersect. This approach allows for a sense of openness and non-linearity, enabling the audience or player to explore different aspects of the story and make choices that influence the direction of the plot. Instead of a single, linear storyline, the narrative unfolds in parallel, offering diverse experiences and outcomes based on the audience's decisions.

Furthermore, Nelson emphasizes that the plot should be "discovered rather than announced," highlighting the importance of engaging the audience's curiosity and involvement in uncovering the story's elements. This notion aligns with the principle of "show, don't tell," a fundamental guideline in storytelling that encourages authors to convey information and develop the narrative through actions, dialogue, and visual cues rather than explicit exposition.

In the context of interactive fiction and game design, this approach translates to creating an immersive and interactive environment where the audience can actively participate in shaping the narrative. Instead of being told the story through passive exposition, the audience is invited to explore, interact, and make meaningful choices that contribute to the progression of the plot. This engagement fosters a sense of agency and investment, as the audience becomes co-authors of their own experience within the narrative framework.

From a mathematical perspective, Nelson's background as a mathematician likely influences his approach to storytelling and interactive fiction. The concept of branching narratives and parallel plotlines can be analogized to the branching pathways and parallel computations found in mathematical algorithms and decision trees. By incorporating these principles into storytelling, authors and game designers can create complex, dynamic narratives that adapt to the audience's choices and offer a multiplicity of experiences.

In summary, Graham Nelson's quote underscores the significance of maintaining multiple narrative trails, fostering a parallel plot structure, and engaging the audience in discovering the story through interactive exploration. By adhering to the principle of "show, don't tell," storytellers and game designers can craft compelling and immersive experiences that empower the audience to actively participate in shaping the narrative. This approach not only aligns with the principles of interactive fiction and game design but also resonates with broader concepts of non-linear storytelling and audience engagement.