The role of pathetic fallacy in video games and storytelling

Abstract

This study applies Pager-McClymont’s ( 2021 , 2022 , 2023a , 2023b ) model of pathetic fallacy (PF) to video games, using a multimodal approach to examine how emotional and environmental elements enhance narrative depth and player immersion. Focusing on Heavy Rain , a narrative-driven game where player choices shape the story, the study analyses two sequences from the game to explore how grief is communicated through lighting, sound, shot composition, and metaphor. Rainfall, a recurring motif, operates visually, aurally, and linguistically as a metaphor for grief ( sadness is rain ), reinforcing emotional resonance. The analysis draws on Forceville’s (2008) pictorial metaphor theory and McIntyre’s (2008) stylistic transcripts to map emotional meaning across modes. Camera angles are also examined as a key mode in cross-domain mapping, highlighting their role in shaping perspective, mood, and character alignment. The study demonstrates that PF can be productively extended to video games to deepen emotional impact and narrative complexity.