Interactive Narratives present unique opportunities for player agency in storytelling. Drawing from theory on play, role-adoption, and interactive storytelling, the study explores character-driven choice in interactive narratives. It aims to contribute valuable insight into the fields of interaction design and game design, regarding character expression within narrative structures and character integration into interactive narratives. Using research through design-based methodology, the project explores these concepts by developing and, with external participants, evaluating six distinct prototypes. The studies' results suggest that the relative linearity of a narrative impacts the players' sense of freedom, purpose, and character expression. It shows the importance of setting in interactive experiences, proposing that fantastical settings better accommodate immersion and roleplay. Lastly, results suggest character integration must be clear and deliberate to limit personal projection in decision-making. The study suggests a mix between character creation and development through narrative choice as an optimal approach to facilitate role-play.