Game theory in literature

We’ve all heard of the game ‘Split or Steal’, where 2 contestants can choose to split or steal a pile of cash. However, if both choose to steal, neither player gets money. There’s been heartbreaking instances of people stealing as their gullible partners choose to split, with a good amount of satisfying agreements eliciting sighs of relief. This is a replica of the prisoner's dilemma, where 2 prisoners can choose to stay silent or betray the other. The prisoner’s dilemma is one of the principal examples of game theory, the study of decision making.

Now, how is game theory connected to literature?, you may ask. Well, game theory is used heavily to enhance plots by adding decision making into the mix. It creates suspense as the reader wonders what the villain will do, and adds a layer of complexity. Almost all famous books have elements of game theory, from Homer’s Odyssey to Harry Potter.

What does the other man think I am going to do?

Game theory in Hobbit:

The prisoner's dilemma is widely prevalent in the Hobbit. In the prisoner's dilemma, two parties are faced with a choice between cooperating or defecting. If both parties cooperate, they both receive a moderate reward. If one party defects and the other cooperates, the defector receives a larger reward while the cooperator receives nothing. If both parties defect, they both receive a smaller reward. This scenario can be seen in The Hobbit when the dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, must decide whether or not to trust the hobbit Bilbo Baggins and share their treasure with him. If the dwarves trust Bilbo and cooperate, they may be able to defeat the dragon Smaug and gain access to the valuable treasure reserve. However, the dwarves run the risk of Bilbo stealing a large portion of the treasure for himself, which will result in a smaller reward for the dwarves. If the dwarves defect and keep the treasure for themselves, they will receive a larger reward, and Bilbo will be left with nothing. When both parties attempt to defect, they may have too few resources to fight Smaug, and both groups will receive no reward. These risks are taken into mind when the dwarves agree to cooperate with Bilbo.                                                                                     

Game theory in Harry Potter:

Game theory can be applied to the Harry Potter series in several ways, as the characters in the series often face situations where they must make strategic decisions and consider the actions of other parties. Here are a few examples of how game theory can be applied to the Harry Potter series:

The hawk-dove game: In the hawk-dove game, two parties are faced with a choice between adopting a cooperative or aggressive strategy. If both parties cooperate, they both receive a moderate reward. If one party adopts an aggressive strategy (the "hawk") and the other party cooperates (the "dove"), the hawk receives a larger reward while the dove receives nothing. If both parties adopt an aggressive strategy, they both receive a smaller reward. This scenario can be seen in the Harry Potter series when characters are faced with the decision of whether or not to use violence to achieve their goals. For example, Draco Malfoy and his friends often adopt aggressive strategies, while Harry and his friends often try to find non-violent solutions. This is also replicated in the fight between The Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters, and is especially relevant in the final battles.

The ultimatum game: In the ultimatum game, one party proposes a distribution of resources to another party, and the second party can either accept or reject the proposal. If the proposal is accepted, both parties receive the agreed-upon distribution of resources. If the proposal is rejected, both parties receive nothing. This scenario can be seen in the Harry Potter series when characters must negotiate terms or make deals with each other. For example, in the fifth book, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Harry and the Order of the Phoenix must negotiate with the Ministry of Magic in order to gain access to information and resources that will help them fight against Lord Voldemort.

Overall, game theory can provide a useful framework for understanding the strategic decision-making and interactions between characters in common novels.