In certain embodiments, a gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one display, a game controller that includes at least one processor and at least one memory device. The at least one memory device stores computer-readable instructions for controlling the at least one processor to cause a symbol array to be selected and displayed on the at least one display in a display area, the symbol array including a plurality of selected symbols from each reel of a plurality of reels at respective symbol locations of the display area. The processor also causes a character to always be displayed, and causes the character to interact with the symbol display area based on defined criteria.