Hypertexts allow the user to interact with a story via links which take the reader from one part of the text to another. For instance, in a simple hypertext, a reader might be asked to choose which door a character opens at the end of a section. Door one might lead to the love of his life, door two to an untimely demise.

The concept exists in many forms, from traditional books such as Nabokov's 'Pale Fire' or the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' format to online literature where the links most usually take the form of hyperlinks.

Wikipedia Article on Hypertexts