How do I personalize web pages to visitors?

I'm a true "Newbie". I know very little html, and absolutely no php or mysql. I understand that mysql is some sort of database, and php is some form of accessing that database. That's about it. But what I want to have is a sign in form for visitors to my website, and the ability to store that information securely somehow. I write short stories, and want to be able to have my visitors, or someone else they choose be one of the characters in each of the stories. So how would I be able to get their name into the stories? Also, I only want them to be able to see a teaser, just a couple chapters of the story, and require them to purchase the rest. How would I do this? I would also like to be able to give them the option of receiving a free full story if they refer a set amount of visitors to my site. How would I keep track of this? I have other things I would like to do, but where do I start with the above mentioned programing challenges? Any help would be much appreciated.

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