2.2 Before The Storm

        I approach Ralof and his sister Gerdur by the river in Riverwood. Gerdur gives me the key to the house and some supplies, then asks what happened. I tell her about the dragon and escaping with Ralof. She is surprised, but states that she thinks she must have seen the dragon too. She says that Riverwood will be in danger, and I must go to Whiterun to warn the Jarl. I leave Riverwood.
        As I neared Whiterun, I approached a group of people fighting a giant and assisted them in defeating it. Once it was dead, Aela the Huntress approached me and said that she is a part of the Companions, a group of warriors or mercenaries. She says that I can talk to Kodlak Whitemane if I am interested in joining. My actions in this instance presented my character as a brave warrior, which caused Aela to react with interest. If I had approached the giant then simply fled, it is not likely I would have been informed about the Companions.
        When I approached the main gate of Whiterun, I was told by a guard that the city was closed because of the dragon sighting. I informed the guard that I was sent from Riverwood to request the Jarl's aid. I could have instead told the guard that I came from Helgen and knew of the dragon  (persuading him to allow me to enter), or I could have bribed him with gold. Any of these options would have yielded the same result: my entrance into Whiterun. The guard told me to go immediately to speak to the Jarl in Dragonsreach.
        In Dragonsreach, Irileth stops me and says that the Jarl is not accepting visitors, but I tell her that I have news from Helgen; she says I should go speak to the Jarl now. The Jarl asks me about the dragon, and I tell him that Ulfric Stormcloak was about to be executed when the dragon attacked. I told him Riverwood needed troops, and he said he would send some, even though his advisor said it could be seen as a provocation. The Jarl thanks me, provides me with a reward, and tells me that he may have another task for someone like me. I exit Dragonsreach.
        In each of these interactions, I have presented my character in such a way that seems most likely to produce a favorable result. I told the guard what I knew would allow me to enter into Whiterun. I told Irileth what I knew would allow me to speak with the Jarl. I told the Jarl what I hoped would cause him to send troops to Riverwood. The reactions from other characters in each of these instances make the player feel important and, in a way, congratulate him or her for doing what the story required.