Honors College Theses

Da Capo al Fine: A Visual Novel About Self-Discovery

Publication Date

11-1-2023

Major

Writing & Linguistics (B.A.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Joanna Schreiber, Robert Terry

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to focus on queer and intersectional characters without drawing attention to the fact they are LGBTQ. This thesis is a visual novel created in the program Twine, which is software that helps writers create interactive fiction. It explores the life of a college student who does not quite know what he wants to do with his life. The student, Emerson “Em” Harlacher, has been searching for a major he enjoys, and furthermore, is trying to decide what to do with his life. As he enters the music program, he discovers companionship with several eccentric students—Kisho, Hayden, and Jacob—who help him through a tumultuous semester that could decide Em’s future. The visual novel explores how companionship can help a person through difficult times, times when they may not be able to escape by themselves.

Thesis Summary

Emerson "Em" Harlacher has been hopping between majors for all three years of his college career. As he's coming to the end of his undergraduate career, he's looking for a major that aligns with what he wants to do for the rest of his life. But what is it that he wants to do for the rest of his life? What does he even want to do right now?

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