Narrative Determinism vs. Agency

The Royale literalizes the theme that stories can structure reality: a paperback's printed beats and a hotel's scripted civility dictate violent outcomes, social roles, and even what inhabitants 'can' do. The episode pits authored plot mechanics against the away team's desire for self-determined escape—Data’s experiments expose the construct’s rules, Mikey D fulfills a page‑bound execution, and Riker weaponizes the book’s clause as a tactical lever. The conflict reframes authorship as power and raises moral questions about beings whose behaviors are authored rather than chosen.