Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Theory of Mind in Detective Narrative Generation: MCTS-Guided Information Ordering for Engaging Stories; Implications of OpenAI’s Business Model Transition23 views
Author
Zhang, Grace, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Norton, Peter, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Kuo, Yen-Ling, EN-Comp Science Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
How may the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) best be advanced in ways that align with social values, human rights and ecological imperatives?
Reader engagement in mystery and detective stories arises from shifts in belief as readers revise their hypotheses about the story’s characters and events. This concept was applied in a novel story-generation approach, where large language models were employed to estimate evolving reader beliefs by leveraging Theory of Mind. To maximize belief changes at key story events, a Monte Carlo Tree Search was used to identify the optimal sequence in which to reveal information for most effective audience engagement. All models produced moderate belief shifts, reflecting LLMs’ tendency toward cautious uncertainty rather than the dramatic confidence changes that engaging detective stories require.
In 2019, OpenAI transitioned from a nonprofit to a private company with a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation arm. OpenAI’s corporate history, its critics’ allegations, and its executives’ defenses reveal how the company has navigated irreconcilable pressures to pursue profit without failing its social responsibilities.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence; Theory of Mind; OpenAI; Business Ethics
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Technical Advisor: Yen-Ling Kuo
STS Advisor: Peter Norton
Rights
All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)
Zhang, Grace. Theory of Mind in Detective Narrative Generation: MCTS-Guided Information Ordering for Engaging Stories; Implications of OpenAI’s Business Model Transition. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2025-12-16, https://doi.org/10.18130/vdtb-qv75.