The character system was the precursor to implementing a conversation system that can mimic interactions on what I would call a moderate degree. I’m not sure how standard parser IF could ever implement true dialogue, but it’s in the back of my mind. What Chord can do today is allow NPCs agency: they can open conversations, continue them, break off from them, and the player can respond with continuations like: go on, and?, and tell me more.
The details are on the website (https://sharpee.net/), in Chord Writer, and on my blog (https://sharpee.plover.net/).
Chord Writer has also implemented Sparkle for in-app updates as I make changes, which makes keeping it up to date very simple.