Unlike watching television, interactive fiction requires that the reader engage story events in a way not possible in traditional fiction. IF has more the feeling of a stage production than a book of fiction. Character personality and description is not covered in great detail. In Snow Night, the reader will have to decide, for example, whether Maize is Anglo, Native American, Hispanic, or African American.

Research on prosocial development clearly shows that considering the consequences of one's acts is an important part of learning to be kind and develop a conscience. The causes, consequences, and solutions to many challenges in the story constantly challenges a reader's thinking.

Most interactive fiction includes logical puzzles that have to be solved. Snow Night includes several puzzles that must be solved for the action to progress to the end of the episode. Several puzzles provide a challenge but their solution is not necessary for the story to continue.

Interactive fiction provides a great opportunity for children and their parents to interact. This activity resembles storytelling more than television watching. The Resources page includes a link to Dialoguing, a form of supportive interaction parents can provide their children. There are moments in the story that might be scary to some children. Responsive parents can provide support to children at these moments to work through these elements in the story.