Fitting the Pattern is a work of interactive fiction that details the struggle with identity and self-expression of a young girl. This story enables the reader to dive deep into the physical and emotional turmoil experienced by the main character. Written/created by Christine Wilks, the narrative is an interesting take on the struggle that a young girl goes through in trying to differentiate her own identity from that of the expectations of society as well as her mother. In the story, the reader is exposed to the relationship between a daughter and her mother. The narrator's story is revealed through the various constructions and alterations that the reader makes on the clothing. A sewing machine, needle, a pair of scissors and a seam ripper are at the disposal of the reader form the very beginning. All the reader has to do is click on a tool and move the mouse over the designated areas. By cutting and stitching the different articles of clothing, the reader methodically unlocks certain segments of the author’s thoughts, personality and past; i.e. the author’s fears and insecurities she had while growing up. After each stitch/cut, a brand new image of the protagonist is presented to the reader. After a while, the reader is able to construct a picture of what the protagonist is like and what she is going through. As the story unravels further, the reader realizes through the fragments provided by the author, what she is having problems with. Her whole life, her mother has been telling her what the ideal woman should look like, how a lady should behave, and what to expect when she grows up. As she grows older, the protagonist is forced to come to terms with the fact that she may never be the ideal daughter that her mother may have wanted. She struggles to accept this and considers if she is okay with this harsh reality. The reader is able to dive into the personal feelings and thoughts of the protagonist as well as reflect on how the protagonists’ own thoughts and insecurities could impact the reader’s feelings.






Kalan Hurdle