# Statement Equivalents

To allow Ren'Py to be scripted in python, each Ren'Py statement has a Python equivalent. This usually consists of a Python function, but may also consist of a pattern of Python calls that perform an action equivalent to the statement.

## Dialogue

The Ren'Py say statement is equivalent to calling the character object as a function. The following displays the same line twice:

    e "Hello, world."

    $ e("Hello, world.")

Displaying narration can be done the same way, by using the `narrator` character. When calling a character, it's possible to supply the keyword argument interact. When interact is false, Ren'Py will display the character dialogue box, and will then return before performing an interaction.

This equivalence of characters and function objects works in the other direction as well. It is possible to declare a python function, and then use that function in the place of a character object. For example, the following function uses a variable to choose between two characters.

    define lucy_normal = Character("Lucy")
    define lucy_evil = Character("Evil Lucy")

    init python:

        def l(what, **kwargs):
            if lucy_is_evil:
                lucy_evil(what, **kwargs)
            else:
                lucy_normal(what, **kwargs)

    label start:

        $ lucy_is_evil = False

        l "Usually, I feel quite normal."

        $ lucy_is_evil = True

        l "But sometimes, I get really mad!"

A function used in this way should either ignore unknown keyword arguments, or pass them to a character function. Doing this will allow the game to continue working if Ren'Py adds additional keyword arguments to character calls.

## Choice Menus

The menu statement has an equivalent Python function.

## Displaying Images

The image, scene, show, and hide statements each have an equivalent python function.

## Transitions

The equivalent of the with statement is the renpy.with_statement function.

## Jump

The equivalent of the jump statement is the renpy.jump function.

## Call

The equivalent of the call statement is the renpy.call function.