Creative Writing Student Taylor Kim Analyzes Ready Player One

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is a famous story that was nominated for many awards and was even adapted into a movie for good reasons. The protagonist, Wade, embarks on a great adventure in the world of virtual reality, where he faces danger and challenges. Ready Player One is a story where characters are immersed in their world, tension and conflicts build, and motivations drive them forward. As the story progresses, we see Wade overcome difficult challenges and gradually Kaizen (改善) his way to self-discovery. In this difficult world, his journey ultimately becomes one of finding himself.

Story World

A story world is the foundation of a narrative—it brings characters to life and sets the stage for anything to happen, whether good or bad. Ready Player One is built around a dystopian future where people are obsessed with virtual reality. Through the eyes of Wade, we learn that the real world is corrupted—disasters are tearing the planet apart, yet no one is doing anything about it. Instead, people escape into the virtual world of Oasis, where they can be whoever they want and do whatever they wish. The story explores how individuals in this world abandon reality, setting their desires within a video game. Meanwhile, the real world suffers from hunger, poverty, and natural disasters. The novel highlights how characters navigate through both realities, showing that even in the hardest times, hope still exists.

Tension and Conflict

Conflict defines and drives a story—the thrill of tension is what keeps it engaging. Ready Player One takes place in a dystopian future where virtual reality dominates society, and the game itself holds more significance than the outside world. Wade must compete against others to achieve his goal while battling an organization known as IOI. As conflicts arise, he struggles to beat the game first. Along the way, he is forced to make sacrifices, even giving up things he loves. The novel demonstrates how actions influence the flow of a story—without conflict, the narrative cannot move forward, and characters cannot Kaizen (改善), or grow. Tension and conflict are the core forces that shape the world of Ready Player One.

Character Desire

Desire is what guides a character through a story—it serves as the navigator of their journey. In Ready Player One, Wade ventures through the world of virtual reality, facing countless challenges. Like many others, he escapes reality to pursue his dreams. In the real world, he is powerless, living in extreme poverty, lacking confidence, and feeling trapped. However, in Oasis, he is agile and determined, driven by his desire to complete the game. He knows it is his only chance to escape his harsh reality. The novel emphasizes how desire fuels the story—Wade’s determination to succeed gives readers hope. It reminds us that no matter the obstacles, if we keep pushing forward, we can achieve our dreams. It teaches us to never give up and that there is always a solution, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.