A novel initiative spearheaded by researchers at McGill University aims to delve into the profound art of storytelling, a practice deeply ingrained in human history and culture. From ancient oral traditions to contemporary digital narratives, storytelling remains a pivotal aspect of the human experience that continues to intrigue scholars. The pioneering project, named ‘The Lives of Literary Characters’, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and the collective insights of global readers to unravel the fundamental question: why do we engage in storytelling?
In a similar manner to how our real-life social connections reflect our identities, examining the interactions among characters within a narrative can unveil the essence of storytelling across diverse societies. Andrew Piper, a Professor in McGill’s Department of Languages, emphasizes the significance of characters in shaping compelling narratives. While current AI technologies can identify characters within a story, comprehending the dynamics of their interactions presents a formidable challenge. The sheer volume of characters created, with over 1.5 million characters crafted in English during the nineteenth century alone, underscores the complexity of this endeavor in the present day.
The exponential growth of storytelling in contemporary times underscores the necessity of AI assistance in processing this vast creative landscape. However, AI systems often harbor biases or operate through opaque methodologies. By enlisting the participation of readers, the research team aims to develop more transparent AI frameworks that can unveil the intricate fabric of human storytelling patterns, as articulated by Piper, the project’s lead.
Volunteers are invited to partake in this endeavor as citizen scientists through the Zooniverse platform. Participants engage in analyzing character interactions in brief excerpts of modern fiction, contributing valuable insights to enhance AI comprehension of literary characters. In contrast to conventional AI development practices conducted in seclusion, the outcomes of this project will be publicly accessible, setting a precedent for transparent and inclusive AI practices.
The project ‘The Lives of Literary Characters’ is a collaborative effort involving researchers from McGill University, alongside the Universities of Alberta, California: Berkeley, and Michigan. Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, this initiative aims to shed light on the intricate tapestry of human storytelling.
About the Project ‘The Lives of Literary Characters’ is a Zooniverse project undertaken by a consortium of researchers from McGill University and other esteemed academic institutions, generously funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
About McGill University
Established in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University stands as Canada’s premier medical doctoral university, consistently acclaimed for its academic excellence both nationally and globally. Renowned for its diverse student body comprising over 39,000 students from 150 countries, McGill boasts a vibrant research community across three campuses, 11 faculties, and 13 professional schools. With a significant proportion of international students contributing to its rich tapestry, McGill embodies a commitment to fostering a multicultural and inclusive academic environment.
