Traditional Text into Hypertext

I think it would be interesting to take a chapter from a work of fiction and redesign it as hypertext. For example, take an early chapter from the first Harry Potter book (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).  Following the seven books, it is fair to say that the fictional world created by the author has a clear and rich hierarchy of characters, settings, and plots. Traditionally, one might need to read all seven books to have a full understanding of the character Hagrid.  But structured as hypertext, one reading an early chapter might decide to investigate more about Hagrid and thus click on a link that leads to information about Hagrid's history (which does get revealed in chunks throughout the book series).

Lego Hagrid (photo by Rico-san via Flickr)

Within that sub-history, there might be links then contained to information about the various beasts which Hagrid enjoys taking care of.  This is more information that is revealed at various points in the series.  It is not information that is supplemental or provided after the fact.

I wonder, though, if the success of the fiction comes from the skill of the author to create a compelling linear text.  The conclusion may not have been as gripping if readers arrived at it having taken diverse paths.