Tellbart

Tellbart is a term used in discussions of narrative theory and interactive storytelling to describe a hybrid technique that blends expository narration with a counter-narrative presented by a distinct character. The concept has been used in educational contexts and in game design to explore credibility, interpretation, and the construction of meaning within a single work.

Etymology and scope: The name Tellbart combines the verb tell, referring to narration, with a fictional character name Bart who embodies the counter-narrative voice. The term arose in online and classroom discussions in the early 2020s as a way to label works that intentionally juxtapose straightforward facts with alternative or questioning perspectives.

Definition and structure: A tellbart narrative typically presents two parallel strands. The tell strand conveys asserted information, world details, or explanations. The bart strand offers dialogue, actions, or reflections by a character named Bart that reinterpret, challenge, or complicate the tell content. The interaction between the two strands invites readers or players to assess reliability, bias, and underlying assumptions, revealing how meaning is constructed.

Applications: In education, tellbart is used to teach critical reading, source evaluation, and media literacy by prompting learners to compare narratives. In interactive media and fiction, it informs branching or layered narratives where audience choice can foreground or suppress the bart perspective, increasing engagement and scrutiny of information.

Criticism and reception: Supporters claim it promotes active engagement with information and fosters critical thinking. Critics warn that without clear signaling, the dual streams can confuse or fatigue audiences.

See also: Narrative technique, unreliable narrator, critical thinking, interactive fiction, pedagogical storytelling.