> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.convai.com/api-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.convai.com/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/narrative-design-quick-start.md).

# Narrative design quick start

We will invoke a named narrative trigger on a Convai character and confirm that the story graph advances. After setup, pressing a bound key calls **Invoke Narrative Design Trigger**; when Convai advances the graph, **On Narrative Section Received** prints the new `Narrative Section ID` to the screen.

### What we will build

A character Blueprint that binds **On Narrative Section Received** on its `UConvaiChatbotComponent`, then calls **Invoke Narrative Design Trigger** when the player presses a key. A **Print String** node and the **Output Log** confirm the section change.

### Prerequisites

* The Convai Unreal Engine plugin is installed and the API key is configured. See [Install the Convai plugin](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/getting-started/install-the-convai-plugin.md) and [Configure your API key](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/getting-started/configure-your-api-key.md).
* A character `Actor` Blueprint with a `UConvaiChatbotComponent` (`Convai Chatbot`) and `CharacterID` set to a valid ID. See [Add your first Convai character](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/getting-started/add-your-first-convai-character.md).
* At least one section and one trigger configured in the Convai dashboard for that character ID. See [Narrative Design | Playground](/api-docs/convai-playground/character-customization/narrative-design.md).

Before you open Unreal Engine, confirm in the dashboard:

| Check          | What to verify                                                                  |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Graph exists   | The character has at least one section and one outbound trigger.                |
| Trigger name   | Copy the trigger name exactly — it is case-sensitive.                           |
| Reachable edge | The trigger is an outbound edge from the section the character starts on.       |
| Character ID   | The `CharacterID` on `UConvaiChatbotComponent` matches the dashboard character. |

### Build the Blueprint

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open the character Blueprint

Open the Actor Blueprint that contains your `UConvaiChatbotComponent`. In the **Event Graph**, click the component in the **Components** panel to select it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Bind On Narrative Section Received

Drag the `UConvaiChatbotComponent` reference from the **Components** panel into the Event Graph. From the component pin, drag off and search for **On Narrative Section Received**. Select **Assign On Narrative Section Received** to create a bound event node.

The generated event node exposes two output pins: `Chatbot Component` (`UConvaiChatbotComponent` reference) and `Narrative Section ID` (`FString`).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Print the section ID

Connect a **Print String** node to the event's execution pin. Feed the `Narrative Section ID` output pin into **Print String**'s `In String` input. This prints the new section ID to the screen whenever Convai advances the story graph.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Call Invoke Narrative Design Trigger on a key press

From the Event Graph, add a **Keyboard** event node (for example `F` key). Drag the `UConvaiChatbotComponent` reference from the **Components** panel and call **Invoke Narrative Design Trigger** from it.

Set `Trigger Name` to the trigger name exactly as it appears in the Convai dashboard (for example `start_inspection`). Connect the **Pressed** execution pin of the keyboard event to **Invoke Narrative Design Trigger**.

{% hint style="info" %}
`bAutoInitializeSession` defaults to `true` on `UConvaiChatbotComponent`, so the session opens on **Begin Play**. If you press the key before the session connects, the trigger queues in `PendingTriggers` and replays once the connection is open.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Play In Editor and activate the trigger

Click **Play In Editor**. After the session connects, press the key you bound. Watch the screen for a printed section ID string.

If the trigger name matches a trigger reachable from the character's current section, Convai advances the story graph and **On Narrative Section Received** fires with the new `Narrative Section ID`.

If nothing prints, see [Troubleshoot narrative design](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/troubleshoot-narrative-design.md). Common causes: trigger name mismatch, wrong `CharacterID`, or a trigger not connected to the current section in the dashboard.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

A non-empty section ID printed to the screen confirms that Convai received the trigger and advanced the story graph.

### Next steps

{% content-ref url="/pages/Khv7SfpK36SvMkUjcjoW" %}
[Narrative triggers](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/narrative-triggers.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/WlLowI3BqDYQNs4lfQM4" %}
[Template keys](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/template-keys.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/5UHlXoAxUOLuWB0TElfn" %}
[How narrative design works](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/how-narrative-design-works.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Use the troubleshooting page if the trigger call runs but no section ID prints in Play In Editor.

{% content-ref url="/pages/uGDfbeU2MRjQlg7HV1GY" %}
[Troubleshoot narrative design](/api-docs/plugins-and-integrations/convai-unreal-engine-plugin/features/narrative-design/troubleshoot-narrative-design.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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