skills/ai-film-pipeline-master/references/phase-01-story-generation/LOOKUP.md

# phase-01-story-generation — card lookup

Every card id in this phase: **1,332** across **44** files.

> **Do not read this file. Search it.**
>
> It is a lookup table, not a document. Opening it whole costs a large part of a
> context window to find one row. Every card id carries a prefix, so **search for the
> prefix or the id** and read only the lines that come back.
>
> To browse rather than look up, open [`INDEX.md`](INDEX.md): it is grouped by module
> and it names what each file is for.
>
> **Prefixes in this phase:** `char.` (129), `struct.` (113), `tens.` (105), `sit.` (98), `sf.` (87), `info.` (84), `expo.` (75), `inter.` (74), `beat.` (71), `open.` (68), `end.` (65), `time.` (65), `rel.` (61), `seq.` (61), `anta.` (58), `theme.` (56), `arc.` (53), `rights.` (6), `world.` (3)

**Or open one family on its own:** [`anta`](LOOKUP-anta.md) · [`arc`](LOOKUP-arc.md) · [`beat`](LOOKUP-beat.md) · [`char`](LOOKUP-char.md) · [`complete-archive`](LOOKUP-complete-archive.md) · [`end`](LOOKUP-end.md) · [`expo`](LOOKUP-expo.md) · [`info`](LOOKUP-info.md) · [`open`](LOOKUP-open.md) · [`rel`](LOOKUP-rel.md) · [`seq`](LOOKUP-seq.md) · [`sit`](LOOKUP-sit.md) · [`struct`](LOOKUP-struct.md) · [`tens`](LOOKUP-tens.md) · [`theme`](LOOKUP-theme.md) · [`time`](LOOKUP-time.md)

Each shard is the same table filtered to one prefix, generated from the same cards. Nothing is in a shard that is not here.

| Card id | Title | File | Best in |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| `anta.absent` | The Absent Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series · genres: Family Drama, Heritage, Historical, Literary, War, Tragedy, Migration |
| `anta.absent_stakes` | The Absent Stakes | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `anta.ambient_pressure` | The Pressure That Is Not Aimed | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Historical, Heritage, War, Migration, Literary, Political |
| `anta.antagonist_arc` | The Antagonist's Own Arc | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Series, Serialised Fiction · genres: Crime, Gangster, Tragedy, Political, Drama, Thriller, War |
| `anta.backstory_as_excuse` | Backstory as Excuse | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most common in Fantasy, Superhero and Crime, and in adaptation, where a novel's interiority gets converted into a flashback because the screen has nowhere else to put it) |
| `anta.befriendable` | The Opponent Who Can Be Befriended | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Picture Book, Animation Feature, Animated Series, Kids Story, Middle Grade, Preschool · genres: Kids, Preschool, Fable, Family Drama, Adventure, Fantasy |
| `anta.beloved` | The Beloved Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Family Drama, Coming of Age, Drama, Romance, Heritage, Migration, Tragedy |
| `anta.better_version` | The Opponent's Better Version | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Sports, Drama, Crime, Workplace, Coming of Age, Artist, Thriller |
| `anta.bounded_threat` | Bounded Threat | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Kids Story, Picture Book, Preschool, Animated Series, Animation Feature, Middle Grade · genres: Kids, Preschool, Family Drama, Adventure, Fable, Fantasy |
| `anta.comic_antagonist` | The Comic Antagonist | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Sketch, Stage Play, Animated Series, Novel, Web Series · genres: Comedy, Farce, Satire, Romantic Comedy, Workplace, Dark Comedy |
| `anta.documentary_opposition` | Opposition in Documentary | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Heritage Documentary, Reportage, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast · genres: Journalism, Advocacy, True Crime, Political, Social Drama, Science, Testimony |
| `anta.explains_themselves` | The Opponent Who Explains Themselves | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — (legitimate in Comedy, Satire, Pastiche and some Stage Play) |
| `anta.fake_ally` | The Fake Ally | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Political, Thriller, Noir, War, Workplace, Science Fiction |
| `anta.fate` | Fate as Opponent | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary, Opera · genres: Tragedy, Myth, Epic, Historical, Faith, Literary, Psychological |
| `anta.finite_resources` | The Antagonist's Finite Resources | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, Series, Game Narrative, Serialised Fiction · genres: Thriller, Crime, Heist, Political, War, Science Fiction, Gangster |
| `anta.function_before_figure` | Function Before Figure | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `anta.future_self` | The Opponent as Future Self | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Gangster, Psychological, Drama, Coming of Age, Tragedy, Sports |
| `anta.incompetent` | The Incompetent Opposition | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — (legitimate in Farce and Slapstick) |
| `anta.institutional` | The Institutional Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Political, Legal, Medical, Historical, Migration, Satire |
| `anta.internal` | The Internal Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Memoir, Short Film · genres: Psychological, Drama, Addiction, Literary, Tragedy, Medical, Coming of Age |
| `anta.late_arrival` | The Late Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — (the mystery exception is `info.mystery_audience_behind`, not this card) |
| `anta.legible_boss` | The Opponent Who Must Be Understood to Be Beaten | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, XR, Immersive, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel · genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Martial Arts |
| `anta.middle_tier` | The Middle Tier | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Series, Limited Series, Novel, Game Narrative, Animated Series · genres: Crime, Thriller, Action, Gangster, Fantasy, Superhero, Noir |
| `anta.monster_rules` | The Monster's Rules | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Series, Game Narrative, Short Story, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Fantasy, Survival, Thriller, Science Fiction, Myth |
| `anta.motiveless` | The Motiveless Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — (legitimate in Cosmic Horror, Folk Horror, Fable and some Preschool work) |
| `anta.multiple_one_question` | Multiple Opponents, One Question | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Social Drama, Political, Crime, War, Historical, Science Fiction, Family Drama |
| `anta.nature` | Nature as Opposition | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Documentary, Animation Feature, Game Narrative, Short Film · genres: Survival, Adventure, Disaster, Heritage, Nature, Historical, War |
| `anta.no_author` | The Decision With No Author | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Novel, Short Film, Game Narrative, Documentary · genres: Social Drama, Migration, Medical, Workplace, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Political, Advocacy |
| `anta.obstacle_ladder` | The Obstacle Ladder | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Tragedy, Sports, Gangster, Social Drama |
| `anta.offscreen_shortform` | The Offscreen Opponent in Short Form | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Web Series, Serialised Fiction, Short Film · genres: Melodrama, Romance, Thriller, Crime, Dark Comedy, Drama |
| `anta.opponents_plan` | The Opponent's Plan | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Political, Heist, War, Science Fiction, Legal, Sports |
| `anta.opposition_equals_villainy` | Opposition Equals Villainy | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `anta.opposition_in_ally` | Opposition Inside the Ally | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Workplace, Social Drama, Romance, War |
| `anta.opposition_wins` | The Opposition Wins Something | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama, War, Tragedy, Horror, Science Fiction |
| `anta.overexplained_monster` | The Over-Explained Monster | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in Horror and Cosmic Horror, and characteristically in a franchise's second instalment, where the origin looks like the only story left) |
| `anta.playable_side` | The Antagonist the Player Can Side With | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, XR, Immersive · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Political, Crime, Adventure |
| `anta.power_drift` | The Opponent Whose Power Drifts | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in Superhero, Fantasy, Anime and any long-running Series, because an opponent who must return each week is weakened a little each week so the leads can survive him) |
| `anta.preschool_problem` | The Problem as Opponent in Preschool and Kids' Song | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Kids Song, Preschool, Picture Book, Lyric Video, Kids Story, Animated Series · genres: Preschool, Kids, Educational, Fable, Musical |
| `anta.problem_as_enemy` | The Enemy Is a Problem, Not a Person | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Advertising, Brand Film, Product Video, Explainer, PSA, UGC Ad, Corporate · genres: Advocacy, Lifestyle, Educational, Comedy, Workplace |
| `anta.procedural_opposition` | Opposition in Procedural Formats | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Procedural, One-Hour Drama, Series, Audio Drama, Short Story · genres: Crime, Detective, Medical, Courtroom, Mystery, Procedural |
| `anta.real_person_opposition` | Opposition Drawn from Real People | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Documentary, Stage Play, Reportage · genres: Biography, Historical, True Crime, Political, Journalism, Social Drama, Advocacy |
| `anta.recurring_vs_episodic` | The Recurring and the Episodic Opponent | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Procedural, Animated Series, Anime, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Crime, Detective, Mystery, Medical, Superhero, Workplace |
| `anta.redemption` | The Redeemed Antagonist | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Series, Feature Film, Animated Series, Anime, Serialised Fiction · genres: Redemption, Drama, Fantasy, Crime, Faith, Coming of Age, Science Fiction |
| `anta.retirement` | Retiring an Antagonist | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Animated Series, Anime, Serialised Fiction · genres: Crime, Thriller, Superhero, Fantasy, Political, Science Fiction |
| `anta.right_about_something` | The Opponent Is Right About Something | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Drama, Political, Crime, Social Drama, War, Family Drama, Legal, Satire |
| `anta.rival_not_enemy` | The Rival Who Is Not an Enemy | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Series, Animated Series, Anime, Novel, Middle Grade · genres: Sports, Underdog, Coming of Age, Workplace, Comedy, Kids, Buddy |
| `anta.self_generated` | Opposition From the Protagonist's Own Choice | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `anta.shared_want` | The Opponent Who Shares the Want | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Drama, Crime, Political, Family Drama, Sports, Legal, Social Drama, Historical |
| `anta.sympathetic_limit` | The Sympathetic Villain and Its Limit | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Serialised Fiction · genres: Crime, Drama, Tragedy, Psychological, Gangster, Social Drama, Noir |
| `anta.tailored_opponent` | The Tailored Opponent | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Crime, Tragedy, Psychological, Thriller, Coming of Age, Social Drama |
| `anta.the_crowd` | The Crowd as Opponent | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Documentary, Reels/Shorts · genres: Social Drama, Political, Historical, Courtroom, Horror, Testimony, Migration, Faith |
| `anta.three_levels` | Opposition at Every Level | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Crime, Political, Social Drama, Historical, War, Science Fiction |
| `anta.time` | The Time Antagonist | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Thriller, Heist, Sports, Medical, Legal, Drama, Survival, Social Drama |
| `anta.unearned_redemption` | The Unearned Redemption | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in Series and Anime, where it is usually a scheduling decision dressed as an arc, and in Redemption-genre work, where it destroys the one thing the genre promised) |
| `anta.unresolved_kids_threat` | The Threat Left Open in Children's Content | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in Preschool and Kids Song, where the unit is short and the child cannot seek resolution elsewhere; in Middle Grade a deliberately held threat is legitimate and is a different technique) |
| `anta.wins_argument` | The Opponent Who Wins the Argument and Loses the Fight | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Monologue · genres: Tragedy, Political, Courtroom, Social Drama, War, Historical, Drama |
| `anta.withheld_appearance` | The Withheld First Appearance | [cat-anta-2.md](cat-anta-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, Series, Game Narrative, Audio Drama · genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction, Crime, Survival |
| `anta.write_the_case` | Write the Opponent's Case | [cat-anta.md](cat-anta.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Political, Social Drama, Crime, War, Historical, Legal, Faith, Science Fiction |
| `arc.acceptance` | The Acceptance Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Limited Series, Stage Play, Documentary, Audio Drama · genres: Medical, Family Drama, Migration, Heritage, Literary, Faith, Drama, Testimony |
| `arc.arc_audit` | The Arc Audit | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Television Pilot, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Social Drama, Coming of Age, Thriller, Redemption |
| `arc.arc_statement` | The Arc Statement | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Television Pilot, Pitch Document, Animation Feature, Short Film · genres: Drama, Crime, Coming of Age, Romance, Social Drama, Redemption, Thriller |
| `arc.arc_under_many_hands` | The Arc Under Many Hands | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Series, Soap, Serialised Fiction, Game Narrative, Comics, Animated Series, Web Series, Procedural · genres: Drama, Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Medical, Workplace, Family Drama, Superhero |
| `arc.borrowed_arc` | The Borrowed Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Procedural, One-Hour Drama, Series, Animated Series, Audio Drama, Short Story, Comics · genres: Procedural, Detective, Medical, Crime, Courtroom, Mystery, Workplace |
| `arc.collision` | Arc Collision | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Ensemble, Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Social Drama, War, Political |
| `arc.corruption` | The Corruption Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Limited Series, Series, Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Crime, Political, Gangster, Psychological, Social Drama, Historical, War |
| `arc.cost_of_truth` | The Cost of the Truth | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.decision_arc` | The Decision Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Short Story, Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, Monologue · genres: Courtroom, Medical, Workplace, Political, Drama, Social Drama, Science Fiction, Mystery |
| `arc.disillusionment` | The Disillusionment Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Memoir, Documentary, Stage Play · genres: War, Coming of Age, Literary, Political, Historical, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `arc.double_arc` | The Double Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Anime · genres: Crime, War, Family Drama, Social Drama, Buddy, Tragedy, Political, Gangster |
| `arc.episode_vs_season` | The Episode Arc Against the Season Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Series, Half-Hour Comedy, Animated Series, Anime, Web Series, Audio Drama, Podcast · genres: Crime, Medical, Workplace, Family Drama, Drama, Detective, Science Fiction |
| `arc.fall` | The Fall Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Opera, Musical Theatre · genres: Tragedy, Gangster, Crime, Psychological, Historical, Literary, Noir |
| `arc.false_arc` | The False Arc | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Audio Drama, Novella · genres: Psychological, Family Drama, Crime, Addiction, Thriller, Social Drama, Noir, Political |
| `arc.first_challenge` | The First Serious Challenge to the Lie | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Coming of Age, Crime, Psychological, Social Drama, Addiction |
| `arc.flat` | The Flat Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Series, Procedural, Feature Film, Animated Series, Serialised Fiction, Documentary · genres: Procedural, Crime, Western, Superhero, Faith, Historical, Kids, Heritage |
| `arc.group_arc` | The Group Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Series, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, Stage Play, Documentary Series · genres: Ensemble, Heist, War, Sports, Workplace, Survival, Heritage, Social Drama |
| `arc.growth_no_lie` | The Growth Arc Without a Lie | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Picture Book, Kids Story, Preschool, Animated Series, Middle Grade, Animation Feature, Explainer, Educational · genres: Kids, Preschool, Coming of Age, Sports, Adventure, Educational, Fable, Family Drama |
| `arc.imposed_arc` | The Imposed Arc | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (hurts most in biopic and heritage film, where the piece becomes the popular memory of someone who cannot answer; in Documentary, where the form's whole claim is that it did not invent; and in advocacy work, where an imposed redemption converts a case into a fable and the opposition will say so) |
| `arc.institutional_arc` | The Institution as Arc-Bearer | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Documentary Series, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Stage Play, Heritage Documentary · genres: Workplace, Political, Social Drama, War, Faith, Historical, Heritage, Journalism |
| `arc.interrupted_arc` | The Arc Cut Short by the Character | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Series, Anime, Heritage Documentary, Comics · genres: War, Crime, Family Drama, Tragedy, Historical, Heritage, Migration, Medical |
| `arc.lie_rewarded` | The Win That Rewards the Lie | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Series · genres: Crime, Gangster, Political, Workplace, Drama, Coming of Age, Addiction |
| `arc.lyric_arc` | The Arc in a Lyric | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Song Lyric, Lyric Video, Music Video, Musical Theatre, Kids Song, Audio Drama · genres: Romance, Buddy Love, Coming of Age, Heritage, Faith, Musical, Kids, Drama |
| `arc.midpoint_peak` | The Arc That Peaks at the Midpoint | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `arc.mirror_character` | The Mirror Character | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.moral_line` | The Moral Line | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.multi_book` | The Arc Across a Trilogy or a Long Series | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Novel, Serialised Fiction, Feature Film, Comics, Middle Grade, Animated Series, Game Narrative, Anime · genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Epic, Adventure, Coming of Age, Crime, Myth, Historical |
| `arc.narrator_arc` | The Narrator's Arc | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Monologue, Audio Drama, Documentary, Essay Film, Podcast, Limited Series · genres: Literary, Psychological, Testimony, Migration, Crime, Biography, Faith, Drama |
| `arc.padding_relapse` | The Relapse as Padding | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `arc.player_arc` | The Arc That Belongs to the Player | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, XR, Immersive, Visual Novel · genres: War, Psychological, Dystopia, Horror, Political, Satire, Social Drama |
| `arc.plot_solved_arc` | The Arc the Plot Solves | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `arc.point_of_no_return` | The Point of No Return | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Stage Play · genres: Crime, Gangster, Thriller, Tragedy, Political, Noir, War |
| `arc.positive_change` | The Positive Change Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Brand Film · genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Romance, Sports, Redemption, Family Drama, Adventure, Comedy |
| `arc.proof_scene` | The Proof Scene | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Animation Feature, Short Film, Limited Series, Picture Book, Kids Story · genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Redemption, Romance, Kids, Sports |
| `arc.real_person_arc` | The Real Person's Arc | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Memoir, Documentary Series, Reportage, Podcast, Feature Film · genres: Biography, Testimony, Journalism, Historical, Heritage, True Crime, Migration, Advocacy |
| `arc.reported_arc` | The Arc Assembled From Witnesses | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Documentary, Audio Drama, Stage Play, Podcast, Short Story, Comics · genres: Literary, Mystery, True Crime, Testimony, Historical, Heritage, Psychological, Journalism |
| `arc.role_arc` | The Arc Carried by a Role | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Series, Limited Series, Novel, Anime, Comics, Audio Drama, Documentary Series, Short Story · genres: Historical, Heritage, Crime, Political, Faith, Family Drama, Science Fiction, Migration |
| `arc.self_revelation` | The Self-Revelation | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Coming of Age, Literary, Family Drama, Crime, Redemption |
| `arc.sequel_reopening` | Reopening a Closed Arc | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Series, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Comics, Game Narrative, Anime · genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Superhero, Family Drama, Thriller |
| `arc.shared_want_opponent` | The Opponent Who Shares the Want | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.sub_minute` | The Arc Under Sixty Seconds | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Film, Advertising, PSA, UGC Ad, Brand Film, Sketch · genres: Romance, Family Drama, Comedy, Drama, Advocacy, Lifestyle, Crime |
| `arc.supporting_arc` | The Supporting Character's Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Romantic Comedy, War, Workplace |
| `arc.the_choice` | The Choice That Is the Change | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Short Film, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Redemption, Coming of Age, Crime, Romance, Social Drama, Sports, Faith |
| `arc.the_ghost` | The Ghost | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.the_lie` | The Lie | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.the_need` | The Need | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.the_want` | The Want | [arcs.md](arcs.md) |  |
| `arc.told_revelation` | The Told Revelation | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `arc.turn_placement` | Where the Arc's Turns Sit Against Structure | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Animation Feature, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Crime, Thriller, Romance, Social Drama, Redemption |
| `arc.unattacked_lie` | The Lie Nobody Attacks | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `arc.unfinished_arc` | The Arc That Ends Before the Change | [arcs-2.md](arcs-2.md) | formats: Short Film, Short Story, Stage Play, Novel, Novella, Limited Series, Documentary, Monologue · genres: Literary, Social Drama, Migration, Psychological, Coming of Age, Faith, Addiction, Testimony |
| `arc.what_is_changing` | Say What Is Changing Before You Name the Arc | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `arc.write_backwards` | Writing the Arc Backwards | [arcs.md](arcs.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Short Film, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Crime, Coming of Age, Redemption, Tragedy, Social Drama, Thriller |
| `beat.action_reaction_exchange` | The Action/Reaction Exchange | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, short story, audio drama · genres: drama, thriller, romance, comedy, literary |
| `beat.action_sequence_beats` | Beats in an Action Sequence | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, novel, comics, teleplay · genres: action, thriller, war, crime, fantasy, adventure |
| `beat.announced_beat` | The Announced Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.answering_half` | Name the Answering Half | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `beat.audible_beat` | The Audible Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Audio Drama, Podcast, Audiobook, Voiceover Script, Interview Podcast · genres: Mystery, Horror, Drama, Science Fiction, Crime, Testimony |
| `beat.beat_after_line` | The Beat After the Line | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, short story, screenplay, stage play · genres: all |
| `beat.beat_change` | The Beat Change | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, teleplay · genres: all |
| `beat.beat_count` | Counting the Beats | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel · genres: all |
| `beat.beat_custody` | Beat Custody in an Ensemble | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Feature Film, Series · genres: Ensemble, Family Drama, Workplace, Political, Comedy, Social Drama |
| `beat.beat_map` | The Rehearsal Beat Map | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Audio Drama, Television Pilot, Monologue · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Ensemble, Psychological, Historical |
| `beat.beat_marking_pass` | The Beat-Marking Pass | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, novel, stage play, teleplay · genres: all |
| `beat.beat_rhyme` | The Beat Rhyme | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, teleplay, stage play · genres: drama, romance, literary, tragedy |
| `beat.beat_spam` | Beat Parenthetical Spam | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.branch_beat` | The Branch Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, Conversational Agent, Immersive, Web Series · genres: Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Drama, Psychological |
| `beat.choreography_list` | The Choreography List | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.clipped_reaction` | The Clipped Reaction | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.clock_compression` | Beats Under a Clock | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Procedural, Vertical Micro-Drama, Audio Drama · genres: Thriller, Action, Medical, Disaster, Survival, Heist |
| `beat.comic_third` | The Comic Third Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, stage play, novel, sketch · genres: comedy, satire, farce, children's, romcom |
| `beat.crowd_reaction` | The Crowd Reaction Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Sports, Courtroom, Political, Historical, Epic, Social Drama |
| `beat.dead_beat` | The Dead Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.decision_beat` | The Decision Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Crime, War, Redemption, Political |
| `beat.distant_callback` | The Callback at Distance | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Half-Hour Comedy, Novel, Limited Series, Stand-Up Set, Stage Play · genres: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Buddy, Coming of Age |
| `beat.double_topper` | The Topper on the Topper | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Sketch, Stand-Up Set, Feature Film, Animated Series, Stage Play · genres: Comedy, Satire, Farce, Dark Comedy, Buddy, Romantic Comedy |
| `beat.edit_carried_beat` | The Beat Carried by the Cut | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Novel, Trailer, Music Video · genres: Drama, Comedy, Crime, Thriller, Satire, Biography |
| `beat.environment_beat` | The Environment as the Second Character | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Heritage Documentary, Short Story, Animation Feature, Game Narrative · genres: Survival, Horror, Nature, Heritage, Adventure, Western |
| `beat.escalation_step` | The Escalation Step | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, teleplay · genres: drama, thriller, crime, courtroom, war |
| `beat.exit_beat` | The Beat Before the Exit | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, stage play, novel · genres: drama, thriller, comedy, crime |
| `beat.exposition_beat` | Beats in an Exposition-Carrying Scene | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Explainer, Game Narrative, Limited Series · genres: Science Fiction, Historical, Crime, Procedural, Heritage, Mystery |
| `beat.held_beat` | The Held Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, literary short story · genres: drama, horror, literary, war |
| `beat.interrupted_beat` | The Interrupted Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, novel, stage play · genres: thriller, drama, farce, crime |
| `beat.lag_beat` | The Lag Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Serialised Fiction, Short Story · genres: Romance, Drama, Coming of Age, Thriller, Migration, Psychological |
| `beat.length_variation` | Beat Length Variation | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, stage play, audio drama · genres: all, thriller, comedy |
| `beat.lyric_beat` | The Lyric Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Song Lyric, Musical Theatre, Kids Song, Lyric Video, Music Video, Podcast · genres: Musical, Romance, Coming of Age, Faith, Kids, Heritage |
| `beat.micro_turn` | The Micro-Turn Inside a Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: stage play, screenplay, novel, short story · genres: drama, romance, literary, chamber thriller |
| `beat.narrated_beat` | The Narrated Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Essay Film, Heritage Documentary, Feature Film, Novel, Memoir · genres: Biography, Historical, Journalism, Literary, Testimony, Heritage |
| `beat.notation` | Beat Notation on the Page | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, stage play · genres: all |
| `beat.notation_traditions` | Beat Notation Across Traditions | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Television Pilot, Limited Series, Voiceover Script, Short Film · genres: Drama, Historical, Migration, Heritage, Literary, Political |
| `beat.object_beat` | The Beat That Lands on an Object | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, short story, screenplay, stage play · genres: literary, drama, domestic, war, period |
| `beat.offscreen_beat` | The Off-Screen Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Audio Drama, Short Film · genres: Tragedy, Drama, War, Horror, Historical, Literary |
| `beat.orphaned_reaction` | The Orphaned Reaction | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.panel_gutter` | The Panel Gutter as the Reaction Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Comics, Picture Book, Carousel, Motion Graphics, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Horror, Superhero, Literary, Drama, Kids |
| `beat.phone_beat` | The Phone-Call Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Audio Drama, Stage Play · genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime, Romance, Migration, Family Drama |
| `beat.physical_beat` | The Physical Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: stage play, screenplay, novel · genres: all |
| `beat.player_held_beat` | The Player-Held Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, XR, Conversational Agent, Immersive · genres: Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime, Psychological, Mystery |
| `beat.preempted_beat` | The Pre-Empted Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.prose_beat_density` | Beat Density in Prose Dialogue | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, short story, memoir · genres: all prose |
| `beat.prose_vs_screenplay` | Beats in Prose Versus Screenplay | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, short story, teleplay · genres: all |
| `beat.reaction_beat` | The Reaction Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, novel, stage play, teleplay · genres: all |
| `beat.reactor_choice` | Choosing Who Reacts | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Family Drama, War, Workplace, Ensemble, Crime |
| `beat.real_time_beat` | The Real-Time Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Audio Drama, Short Film, Immersive · genres: Thriller, Drama, Courtroom, War, Survival, Psychological |
| `beat.redirect` | The Redirected Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, teleplay · genres: drama, workplace, war, satire, domestic |
| `beat.repeated_beat` | The Repeated Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.reported_beat` | The Reported Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Stage Play, Documentary Interview, Podcast, Feature Film, Memoir · genres: Testimony, True Crime, Historical, Literary, Drama, Journalism |
| `beat.round_robin` | The Ensemble Round Robin | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.runner_beat` | The Runner | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Animated Series, Series, Novel, Sketch, Web Series · genres: Comedy, Satire, Ensemble, Kids, Buddy, Workplace |
| `beat.scene_beat_budget` | The Scene Beat Budget | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, stage play, novel · genres: all |
| `beat.scene_handoff` | The Out-Beat / In-Beat Pair | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series, Television Pilot, Series · genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Political, Ensemble |
| `beat.scene_sheet_vs_story_sheet` | Scene Beat Sheet Versus Story Beat Sheet | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, teleplay, novel · genres: all |
| `beat.shortform_beat` | The Two-Second Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Web Series, UGC Ad, Trailer, Advertising · genres: Melodrama, Romance, Drama, Thriller, Underdog |
| `beat.silent_beat` | The Beat of Silence | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel, audio drama · genres: drama, thriller, romance, literary |
| `beat.solo_beat` | The Solo Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Feature Film, Monologue, Short Film, Audio Drama · genres: Literary, Psychological, Drama, Survival, Horror, Coming of Age |
| `beat.song_entry_beat` | The Beat Where Speech Becomes Song | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Musical Theatre, Animation Feature, Animated Series, Kids Song, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Musical, Romance, Kids, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Family Drama |
| `beat.subtext_carry` | Subtext Carried Across a Beat | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: stage play, screenplay, novel, short story · genres: drama, romance, literary, espionage, satire |
| `beat.symmetry_fatigue` | Beat Symmetry Fatigue | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `beat.table_read_test` | The Table-Read Test | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Half-Hour Comedy, Television Pilot, Audio Drama, Sketch · genres: Comedy, Drama, Farce, Ensemble, Satire, Romantic Comedy |
| `beat.tactic_beat` | The Beat as Tactic | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: stage play, screenplay, novel, audio drama · genres: drama, courtroom, thriller, romance, satire |
| `beat.task_beat` | The Task Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Heritage Documentary, Short Story, Documentary, Stage Play · genres: Heritage, Survival, Historical, Crime, Nature, Slice of Life |
| `beat.triangulated_beat` | The Triangulated Beat | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Political, Ensemble, Workplace |
| `beat.verb_naming` | Naming Beats with Transitive Verbs | [cat-beat.md](cat-beat.md) | formats: screenplay, stage play, novel · genres: all |
| `beat.verse_beat` | The Beat in Verse | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: Poetry, Stage Play, Monologue, Song Lyric, Musical Theatre, Audio Drama · genres: Literary, Tragedy, Myth, Faith, Historical, Epic |
| `beat.wrong_character_beat` | The Beat Given to the Wrong Character | [cat-beat-2.md](cat-beat-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.addiction_logistics` | Addiction Written as Logistics | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play · genres: Addiction, Crime, Family Drama, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `char.age_specific_logic` | Age-Specific Logic: Children and Elders | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Family Drama, Coming of Age, Heritage, Comedy |
| `char.agent_read` | How the Role Reads to an Agent | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Television Pilot, Limited Series, Short Film, Stage Play · genres: Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Comedy, Biography |
| `char.alone_behaviour` | What They Do Alone | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Psychological, Family Drama, Tragedy, Social Drama |
| `char.animal_character` | The Animal With Its Own Want | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Short Story, Animation Feature, Picture Book, Documentary · genres: Nature, Heritage, Survival, Adventure, Kids |
| `char.antagonist_case` | The Antagonist With a Case | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Crime, Historical, Social Drama, Science Fiction |
| `char.assumed_identity` | The Assumed Identity | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, Noir, Migration, Historical |
| `char.audience_surrogate_trap` | The Audience Surrogate Trap | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Game Narrative, Documentary · genres: Science Fiction, Historical, Crime, Heritage |
| `char.audition_scene` | The Audition Scene | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, Television Pilot · genres: Drama, Comedy, Crime, Family Drama, Workplace |
| `char.backstory_economy` | Backstory Economy | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Psychological, War, Family Drama |
| `char.behavioural_continuity` | Behavioural Continuity Under Many Hands | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Animated Series, Comics, Game Narrative, Soap · genres: Crime, Comedy, Family Drama, Procedural, Workplace |
| `char.bible_entry` | The Show-Bible Character Entry | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Animated Series, Game Narrative, Pitch Document · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Comedy, Workplace, Procedural |
| `char.cannot_afford` | Defined by What They Cannot Afford | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, One-Hour Drama · genres: Social Drama, Family Drama, Coming of Age, Migration |
| `char.cannot_change` | The Character Who Cannot Change | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Tragedy, Family Drama, Heritage, Social Drama |
| `char.carried_object` | The Carried Object | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Novel, Animation Feature · genres: Heritage, Historical, War, Family Drama |
| `char.cast_size_limit` | Cast Size and the Runtime | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Podcast, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Comedy |
| `char.casting_line` | The Casting Line | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Limited Series / Drama · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Historical, Heritage |
| `char.changed_name` | The Name That Was Changed | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Memoir, Heritage Documentary · genres: Migration, Heritage, Historical, Crime, Family Drama |
| `char.character_dossier` | The Dossier Instead of a Draft | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Novel and Serialised Fiction, where the runway is long enough to hide a year of it) |
| `char.character_interview` | The Character Interview | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Audio Drama · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Literary, Psychological |
| `char.class_tell_survives_money` | The Tell That Survives the Money | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Short Story, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Migration, Family Drama, Literary, Heritage, Coming of Age |
| `char.coached_authenticity` | The Real Person Given the Film's Line | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Heritage Documentary and Heritage drama, where the community is the first audience and will recognise it before anyone else does) |
| `char.combine_characters` | Combine Two, Cut One | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Short Film, One-Hour Drama · genres: Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Comedy |
| `char.community_built` | Built by a Community, Not a Psychology | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play · genres: Heritage, Family Drama, Migration, Social Drama |
| `char.competence_cost` | Competence Has a Price | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series / Drama · genres: War, Crime, Social Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.competence_fails` | The Competence That Fails | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Tragedy, Crime, War, Psychological |
| `char.competence_first` | Competence First | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Limited Series / Drama · genres: Crime, Thriller, War, Science Fiction |
| `char.condition_as_constraint` | The Condition as a Constraint Set | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Medical, Social Drama, Family Drama, War, Psychological |
| `char.costless_condition` | The Condition That Costs Nothing | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Series and Soap, where a condition survives across years of scripts written by different hands) |
| `char.courtship_behaviour` | Courtship Behaviour | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Romance, Romantic Comedy, Heritage, Historical, Coming of Age |
| `char.crowd_member` | One Face in the Crowd | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Feature Film, Reportage, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Heritage, Migration, War, Social Drama, Disaster |
| `char.decorative_exotic_name` | The Decorative Foreign Name | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Heritage, Fantasy and Historical work, where the name is the first thing an informed audience tests) |
| `char.defining_action_entrance` | The Defining Action Entrance | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Short Film · genres: Crime, Comedy, Family Drama, Social Drama |
| `char.degraded_decision` | Exhaustion, Hunger and the Degraded Decision | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series, Audio Drama · genres: War, Medical, Survival, Crime, Family Drama |
| `char.deserving_setting` | What They Think They Deserve | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Romance, Coming of Age |
| `char.desire_made_physical` | Desire Made Physical | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Game Narrative, One-Hour Drama · genres: Social Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.desire_second_want` | The Second Want | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Serialised Fiction · genres: Romance, Crime, Social Drama, Migration, Coming of Age |
| `char.diaspora_character` | The Diaspora Character | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Migration, Family Drama, Heritage, Coming of Age |
| `char.disability_expertise` | Disability as Accumulated Expertise | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary · genres: Social Drama, Crime, Workplace, Family Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.ensemble_grid` | The Ensemble Grid | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Animation Feature · genres: Comedy, Crime, Science Fiction, Social Drama |
| `char.entrance_against_type` | Entrance Against Type | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Vertical Micro-Drama, Novel · genres: Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Tragedy |
| `char.evil_twin` | The Evil Twin | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Soap and Series, where it is most often reached for to extend a lead actor's screen time) |
| `char.exists_to_be_lost` | The Character Who Exists to Be Lost | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: War, Crime, Family Drama, Tragedy |
| `char.family_role` | The Role the Family Assigned | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Family Drama, Heritage, Migration, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `char.frightened_alone` | Frightened and Unobserved | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play · genres: War, Thriller, Psychological, Crime |
| `char.god_character` | Writing a God | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Opera, Audio Drama · genres: Myth, Epic, Fantasy, Heritage, Faith |
| `char.half_remembered_return` | The Returning Minor Character | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Series, Feature Film, Serialised Fiction, Comics · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Heritage, Mystery, Historical, Ensemble |
| `char.hands_test` | The Hands Test | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Documentary, Short Film · genres: Heritage, Historical, War, Social Drama |
| `char.honorific_system` | The Honorific System as a Map of the World | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Heritage Documentary, Audio Drama · genres: Heritage, Historical, Migration, Faith, Family Drama |
| `char.idiolect_sheet` | The Idiolect Sheet | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Stage Play, Animated Series · genres: Ensemble, Crime, Family Drama, Workplace, Comedy |
| `char.incompetence_zone` | The Incompetence Zone | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Comedy, Thriller, Science Fiction |
| `char.informed_attribute` | The Informed Attribute | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.inherited_ease` | Inherited Ease Against Earned Ease | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Social Drama, Family Drama, Satire, Literary, Drama, Migration |
| `char.inside_outside_culture` | Inside and Outside a Culture | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary · genres: Heritage, Migration, Social Drama, Historical |
| `char.kinship_address` | Kinship Terms for People Who Are Not Kin | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Film, Audio Drama · genres: Heritage, Migration, Family Drama, Social Drama, Faith |
| `char.lie_in_one_line` | The Lie in One Line | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama · genres: Psychological, Family Drama, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `char.likeable_vs_interesting` | Interesting Beats Likeable | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Limited Series / Drama, Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Tragedy, Psychological, Social Drama |
| `char.limits_before_the_person` | Name the Limits Before the Person | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `char.living_subject_reader` | The Subject Who Will Read It | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Memoir, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Feature Film, Limited Series, Reportage, Heritage Documentary · genres: Biography, Heritage, Family Drama, Journalism, Historical, Social Drama |
| `char.load_bearing_contradiction` | The Load-Bearing Contradiction | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Crime, War, Family Drama, Psychological |
| `char.long_series_character` | The Character Across Eighty Episodes | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Comics, Podcast · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Comedy, Social Drama |
| `char.machine_character` | The Machine and the Artificial Mind | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, Conversational Agent · genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Dystopia, Psychological, Dark Comedy |
| `char.management_day` | The Management Day | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Memoir · genres: Medical, Family Drama, Social Drama, Romance, Coming of Age |
| `char.money_specifics` | Money on the Page | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Short Film · genres: Social Drama, Crime, Migration, Family Drama |
| `char.mouthpiece` | The Mouthpiece | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.name_as_design` | The Name as Design | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series / Drama, Feature Film, Game Narrative · genres: Historical, Heritage, Crime, Family Drama |
| `char.never_list` | The Never List | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Novel · genres: Crime, War, Thriller, Social Drama |
| `char.never_says` | What They Never Say | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Audio Drama · genres: Family Drama, Tragedy, War, Psychological, Heritage |
| `char.normal_baseline` | What They Think Is Normal | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, One-Hour Drama · genres: Social Drama, War, Family Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.occupational_perception` | The Job Shapes the Eye | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Heritage |
| `char.offstage_change` | Change Offstage | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: War, Migration, Family Drama, Psychological |
| `char.only_reacts` | The Character Who Only Reacts | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.panic_behaviour` | Panic Written From Inside | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Short Film · genres: Psychological, Thriller, War, Family Drama |
| `char.passive_protagonist_fix` | Curing the Passive Protagonist | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, Social Drama, Family Drama |
| `char.personified_place` | The Place That Behaves Like a Person | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary · genres: Horror, Heritage, Literary, Historical, Psychological |
| `char.physical_signature` | The Physical Signature | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Animation Feature, Feature Film, Vertical Micro-Drama, Stage Play · genres: Comedy, Crime, Heritage, Historical |
| `char.pity_lever` | The Condition as a Pity or Inspiration Lever | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Documentary, PSA, Brand Film and Advertising, where the lever is often the brief) |
| `char.pregnancy_clock` | Pregnancy as a Clock Inside the Body | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Migration, Crime, Romance |
| `char.pressure_ladder` | The Pressure Ladder | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, War, Tragedy, Social Drama |
| `char.prize_love_interest` | The Person Written as a Prize | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Feature Film and Vertical Micro-Drama, where the reward ending is a format habit) |
| `char.profanity_budget` | The Profanity Budget | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Crime, War, Workplace, Social Drama, Dark Comedy |
| `char.protagonist_test` | The Protagonist Test | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Crime, Family Drama, Social Drama |
| `char.protagonist_who_is_wrong` | The Protagonist Who Is Wrong | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play · genres: Tragedy, Family Drama, Social Drama, Psychological |
| `char.protected_static_role` | The Recurring Character Who Must Not Develop | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, One-Hour Drama, Comics, Animation Feature · genres: Comedy, Crime, Family Drama, Heritage |
| `char.rank_and_person` | The Person Inside the Rank | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Feature Film, Stage Play, Procedural · genres: Workplace, War, Medical, Crime, Political |
| `char.real_person_composite` | Real People and the Composite | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Documentary, Novel · genres: Historical, Heritage, Crime, Social Drama |
| `char.recasting` | Recasting and the Character Rewritten for a New Actor | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Series, Soap, Animated Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Audio Drama · genres: Family Drama, Crime, Comedy, Procedural, Melodrama |
| `char.relapse_beat` | The Relapse That Proves the Change | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Family Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.relationship_self` | A Different Self for Each Person | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Romance, Comedy |
| `char.reluctant_protagonist` | The Reluctant Protagonist | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, War, Social Drama |
| `char.reputation_before_entrance` | Reputation Before Entrance | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Stage Play, Novel · genres: Crime, Thriller, Historical, Tragedy |
| `char.seduction_competence` | Seduction Competence, and Its Absence | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Noir, Crime, Romance, Dark Comedy, Psychological |
| `char.silence_as_trait` | Silence as a Trait | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Heritage, War, Family Drama, Crime, Tragedy |
| `char.smaller_in_this_language` | The Character Who Is Smaller in This Language | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Short Film, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Migration, Social Drama, War, Family Drama, Heritage, Coming of Age |
| `char.softened_for_the_reader` | Softened for the Reader Who Will Read It | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Memoir and Heritage Documentary, where the subject is usually family and the phone call is guaranteed) |
| `char.speaks_for_others` | The Person Who Cannot Speak Only for Themselves | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Documentary Interview, Feature Film, Novel, Immersive · genres: Heritage, Testimony, Migration, Faith, Social Drama, Journalism |
| `char.species_logic` | Species Logic in Children's Animation | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Animated Series, Preschool, Picture Book, Animation Feature, Kids Story, Kids Song · genres: Kids, Preschool, Fable, Comedy, Adventure |
| `char.specificity_not_representation` | Specificity, Not Representation | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary · genres: Heritage, Migration, Social Drama, Faith |
| `char.status_flip` | The Status Flip | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Social Drama |
| `char.status_transaction` | The Status Transaction | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Podcast · genres: Comedy, Crime, Social Drama, Historical |
| `char.stress_tell` | The Stress Tell | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series / Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Psychological, Horror |
| `char.superstition` | The Private Superstition | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Story · genres: Crime, War, Heritage, Psychological |
| `char.supporting_character_want` | Give the Supporting Character One Want | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Comedy, Social Drama, Thriller |
| `char.sympathy_beat` | The Sympathy Beat | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Comedy, Family Drama, Romance |
| `char.tailored_opponent` | The Tailored Opponent | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Game Narrative, Novel · genres: Thriller, Crime, Psychological, Horror |
| `char.ten_second_person` | A Person in Ten Seconds | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Romance, Family Drama, Crime, Comedy |
| `char.the_double` | The Double | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Psychological, Horror, Literary, Crime, Surreal |
| `char.the_exception` | The Exception | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series / Drama, Animation Feature, Novel · genres: Crime, Thriller, Tragedy, Horror |
| `char.the_missed_one` | The One They Will Miss | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, War, Heritage, Tragedy |
| `char.the_secret` | The Secret | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Limited Series / Drama, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, Crime, Romance, Social Drama |
| `char.theory_of_others` | The Theory of Other People | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel · genres: Crime, Social Drama, Comedy, Psychological |
| `char.trade_vocabulary` | Trade Vocabulary | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Novel, Podcast · genres: Crime, Social Drama, War, Historical |
| `char.trait_not_character` | The Trait Mistaken for a Character | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.transliteration_choice` | Spelling a Name in Another Alphabet | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary, Stage Play, Pitch Document · genres: Heritage, Migration, Historical, Biography, Faith |
| `char.twins` | Writing Twins | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Soap · genres: Family Drama, Crime, Tragedy, Heritage, Mystery |
| `char.unearned_change` | Unearned Change | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `char.unit_member` | The Character a Unit Made | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Audio Drama · genres: War, Crime, Gangster, Medical, Heritage |
| `char.unlikeable_lead` | Holding the Unlikeable Lead | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Psychological, Tragedy, Comedy |
| `char.vertical_archetype` | The Vertical Archetype, Then the Complication | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Half-Hour Comedy, Limited Series · genres: Romance, Family Drama, Crime, Comedy |
| `char.want_need_sheet` | The Two-Column Want/Need Sheet | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Pitch Document · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `char.wealth_as_objects` | Wealth Written as Objects | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Social Drama and Literary fiction, where the reader came for observation and is being given a catalogue) |
| `char.what_breaks_first` | What Breaks First | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Thriller, War, Family Drama, Crime |
| `char.what_they_notice` | What They Notice | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: Novel, Game Narrative, Podcast, Feature Film · genres: Crime, Psychological, Social Drama, Coming of Age |
| `char.who_pays_most` | Who Pays the Most | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Documentary, Limited Series, Novel · genres: Social Drama, Heritage, Migration, Crime |
| `char.wound_as_rule` | The Wound as a Rule of Conduct | [cat-char.md](cat-char.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series / Drama · genres: War, Psychological, Family Drama, Crime |
| `char.wound_questionnaire` | The Wound Questionnaire and Its Limits | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play · genres: Psychological, Family Drama, Drama, Tragedy, Crime |
| `char.write_for_known_actor` | Writing For and Against a Known Actor | [cat-char-3.md](cat-char-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Television Pilot, Short Film, Pitch Document · genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Comedy, Biography |
| `char.writing_the_believer` | Writing the Believer | [cat-char-2.md](cat-char-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary · genres: Faith, Family Drama, Heritage, Historical |
| `char.written_for_a_non_actor` | The Part Written to Be Sayable | [cat-char-4.md](cat-char-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Limited Series, Web Series · genres: Heritage, Social Drama, Migration, Historical, Faith, Testimony |
| `end.accumulated_choice_ending` | The Accumulated-Choice Ending | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Podcast, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Crime, Drama, Science Fiction, Social Drama, Romance, War |
| `end.answer_the_question_asked` | Answer the Question That Was Asked | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.brand_film_close` | The Brand Film Close | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Brand Film, Advertising, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, Explainer, Documentary · genres: Heritage, Family Drama, Sports, Comedy, Social Drama, Kids |
| `end.callback` | The Callback | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Series, Novel, Half-Hour Comedy, Animation Feature, Stand-Up · genres: Comedy, Drama, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Adventure, Romance |
| `end.canonical_ending` | The Canonical Ending Problem | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama, Series · genres: Science Fiction, Crime, Horror, Drama, Mystery |
| `end.catharsis` | Catharsis and What It Requires | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Opera · genres: Tragedy, Drama, War, Family Drama, Historical, Heritage |
| `end.chapter_ending` | The Chapter Ending | [cat-end-3.md](cat-end-3.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Serialised Fiction, Memoir, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Middle Grade · genres: Thriller, Crime, Literary, Historical, Family Drama, Fantasy |
| `end.child_carry_ending` | The Ending a Child Can Carry | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Picture Book, Animation, Short Film, Kids Songs, Podcast, Reels/Shorts · genres: Kids, Family Drama, Heritage, Coming of Age, Educational |
| `end.comedy_restoration` | The Comedy Restoration | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Feature Film, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Reels/Shorts, Novel · genres: Comedy, Romance, Family Drama, Satire, Kids |
| `end.cost_paid` | The Cost Paid | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Crime, War, Coming of Age, Romance, Sports, Heritage |
| `end.cost_refunded` | The Ending That Undoes the Cost | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.credits_sequence` | The Credits as Structure | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Documentary, Short Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama · genres: Drama, Heritage, Historical, Comedy, War, Family Drama, Kids |
| `end.crime_ending` | The Crime Ending | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Podcast, Short Story · genres: Crime, Noir, Thriller, Social Drama, Historical, War |
| `end.deus_ex_machina` | Deus Ex Machina | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Stage Play, Half-Hour Comedy, Animation · genres: Comedy, Farce, Faith, Satire, Mythology |
| `end.documentary_ending` | The Documentary Ending | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series, Short Film, Essay · genres: Journalism, Heritage, Historical, Social Drama, Political, Science, War |
| `end.earned_ending` | The Earned Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.ending_three_scenes_earlier` | The Ending Was Three Scenes Earlier | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.epilogue` | The Epilogue | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Animation Feature, Heritage Documentary · genres: Historical, Heritage, Family Drama, Epic, Coming of Age, War, Biography |
| `end.epilogue_slideshow` | The Ending Slideshow | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.essay_close` | The Essay Close | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Essay, Podcast, Documentary, Corporate · genres: Journalism, Educational, Heritage, Political, Social Drama, Science |
| `end.explained_ending` | The Explained Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Educational, Preschool, Explainer, PSA, Instructional · genres: Educational, Preschool, Advocacy |
| `end.explainer_close` | The Explainer Close | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Explainer, Educational, Reels/Shorts, Documentary, Podcast, Animation · genres: Educational, Science, Journalism, Heritage, Kids |
| `end.final_image` | The Final Image | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Animation Feature, Comics, Documentary, Novel · genres: all narrative |
| `end.final_season` | What the Final Season Owes | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Half-Hour Comedy, Animation Series, Podcast, Web Series · genres: Crime, Drama, Family Drama, Science Fiction, Comedy, Heritage |
| `end.genre_contract_broken` | The Broken Genre Contract | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.handoff_ending` | The Handoff Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Documentary, Advertising, Explainer, PSA, Brand Film, Educational · genres: Advocacy, Journalism, Educational, Science, Social Drama, Heritage |
| `end.heist_reveal` | The Heist Reveal | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Short Film, Game Narrative, Podcast · genres: Heist, Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Noir |
| `end.held_final_beat` | The Held Final Beat | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Documentary, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Drama, Tragedy, War, Family Drama, Heritage, Literary |
| `end.horror_coda` | The Horror Coda | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Limited Series, Short Story, Novel, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Science Fiction, Folk Horror |
| `end.last_chorus` | The Last Chorus | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Song Lyric, Animation, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, Kids Songs, Podcast · genres: Kids, Heritage, Romance, Drama, Family Drama |
| `end.last_frame_as_thumbnail` | The Last Frame That Has to Sell the Piece | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Film, Documentary, Brand Film · genres: Heritage, Drama, Crime, Kids, Sports, Comedy |
| `end.last_line` | The Last Line | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.last_scene_of_a_decade` | The Last Scene of a Decade | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Series, Novel, Comics, Podcast, Animation Series · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Comedy, Crime, Heritage, Science Fiction |
| `end.last_ten_pages_cold` | Reading the Last Ten Pages Cold | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.loop_close` | The Loop Close | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Animation, Explainer · genres: Comedy, Kids, Drama, Crime, Educational, Heritage |
| `end.mirror_ending` | The Mirror Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Animation Feature, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Romance, Heritage, Tragedy, Comedy |
| `end.multiple_endings` | Multiple Endings by Design | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast, Short Story · genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Crime, Romance, Drama, Mystery |
| `end.mystery_explanation` | The Explanation and How Long It May Run | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Podcast, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Historical, Comedy |
| `end.open_ending` | The Open Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Documentary, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Literary, Psychological, Social Drama, Political, Arthouse, War |
| `end.owed_before_shape` | Name What Is Owed Before You Pick a Shape | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.player_earned_ending` | The Ending the Player Earns | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast · genres: Crime, Drama, Science Fiction, Horror, Romance, War |
| `end.poem_landing` | The Poem's Landing | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Song Lyric, Essay, Short Story, Picture Book, Podcast, Short Film · genres: Literary, Heritage, Drama, Kids, Romance |
| `end.post_credits_stinger` | The Post-Credits Stinger | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Comedy, Science Fiction, Horror, Heist, Crime, Kids |
| `end.premature_ending` | The Ending That Arrives Too Early | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.quiet_ending` | The Quiet Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Documentary, Stage Play · genres: Drama, Tragedy, War, Family Drama, Heritage, Literary, Social Drama |
| `end.resolvable_problem` | The Resolvable Problem | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Picture Book, Animation, Kids Songs, Short Film, Reels/Shorts, Podcast · genres: Kids, Family Drama, Comedy, Educational, Heritage |
| `end.retiring_a_character` | Retiring a Character | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Series, Comics, Animation Series, Podcast, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Drama, Comedy, Heritage, War, Medical |
| `end.reversed_arc` | The Reversed Arc | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Tragedy, Satire, Social Drama, Political, Literary |
| `end.romance_ending` | The Romance Ending | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Short Story · genres: Romance, Comedy, Family Drama, Coming of Age, Historical |
| `end.rushed_ending` | The Rushed Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.sad_not_tragic` | Sad Is Not Tragic | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.scene_played_twice` | The Scene Played Twice | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Heritage, Crime, Romance |
| `end.season_ending` | The Season Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast, Animation Series · genres: Crime, Drama, Science Fiction, Family Drama, Thriller, Melodrama |
| `end.sequel_bait_close` | The Sequel-Bait Close | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.series_finale` | The Series Finale | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Limited Series, Animation Series, Podcast, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Crime, Drama, Family Drama, Comedy, Science Fiction, Heritage |
| `end.sports_final` | The Sports Final | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Documentary, Limited Series, Short Film, Animation Feature, Reels/Shorts · genres: Sports, Coming of Age, Drama, Heritage, Family Drama, Comedy |
| `end.stolen_climax` | The Ending That Belongs to Someone Else | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Animation Feature · genres: Ensemble, Family Drama, Heritage, Social Drama, War |
| `end.the_button` | The Button | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Film, Half-Hour Comedy, Podcast · genres: Comedy, Crime, Romance, Satire, Kids, Drama |
| `end.theme_recited` | The Recited Theme | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.too_many_endings` | The Too-Many-Endings Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `end.tragic_ending` | The Tragic Ending | [cat-end-2.md](cat-end-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Opera, Short Story · genres: Tragedy, Crime, Gangster, Historical, War, Family Drama, Noir |
| `end.twist_ending` | The Twist Ending | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Limited Series, Short Film, Podcast · genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Crime, Science Fiction, Noir |
| `end.unpaid_setup` | The Setup You Forgot to Pay | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.value_landed` | The Value Landed | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `end.who_speaks_last` | Who Speaks Last | [cat-end.md](cat-end.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play · genres: all narrative |
| `expo.absorb_into_argument` | Absorb the Exposition into the Argument | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, stage play, podcast drama · genres: drama, legal, political, family drama, crime |
| `expo.as_you_know` | The "As You Know" Family | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.assumed_canon` | Assume the Canon | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Stage Play, Series · genres: Myth, Fantasy, Heritage, Historical, Epic, Biography |
| `expo.back_matter_craft` | Back Matter as Craft | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Picture Book, Kids Story, Middle Grade, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Educational, Memoir · genres: Educational, Kids, Heritage, Historical, Biography, Science |
| `expo.book_re_entry` | Re-Entering a Novel After a Gap | [cat-expo-4.md](cat-expo-4.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Serialised Fiction, Audiobook, Middle Grade, Comics · genres: Crime, Mystery, Literary, Fantasy, Historical, Family Drama |
| `expo.character_voiceover` | Voice-Over With a Standpoint | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Memoir, Documentary, Series, Short Film, Essay Film · genres: Noir, Crime, Coming of Age, Literary, Biography, Migration |
| `expo.codex_entry` | The Codex Entry | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, XR, Immersive, Novel · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Mystery, Historical, Adventure |
| `expo.coined_term_in_context` | Coined Term in Context | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, series, feature, game · genres: science fiction, fantasy, historical, crime, military |
| `expo.competent_walkthrough` | The Competent-Character Walkthrough | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, documentary, novel, game · genres: procedural, science fiction, workplace drama, war, heritage |
| `expo.curriculum_hook` | The Curriculum Hook | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Picture Book, Kids Story, Educational, Middle Grade, Animated Series, Explainer · genres: Educational, Kids, Science, Nature, Heritage, Historical |
| `expo.decodability_spec` | The Decodability Specification | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Kids Story, Picture Book, Preschool, Educational, UX Writing, Voiceover Script · genres: Educational, Kids, Preschool, Advocacy |
| `expo.deferred_explanation` | Deferred Explanation | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, short film, reel · genres: thriller, crime, science fiction, comedy, mystery |
| `expo.deletion_test` | The Deletion Test | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, documentary, explainer · genres: any |
| `expo.demo_as_scene` | The Demo as a Scene | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Product Video, Advertising, Explainer, Corporate, Brand Film, UGC Ad · genres: Workplace, Lifestyle, Educational, Science, Comedy |
| `expo.diegetic_text` | Diegetic Text | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, reel, short film, game, documentary · genres: dystopia, war, period, satire, horror, heritage |
| `expo.disclosed_staging_note` | The Disclosed Staging Note | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, True Crime, Heritage Documentary, Reportage, Essay Film · genres: Journalism, Historical, Heritage, Crime, Testimony, Nature |
| `expo.doc_narration_contract` | The Narration Contract | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: documentary, explainer, heritage video, podcast, voiceover script · genres: history, science, heritage, true crime, nature |
| `expo.environmental_detail` | Environmental Exposition | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, game, animation, documentary, reel · genres: science fiction, horror, period drama, heritage, crime |
| `expo.epistolary_delivery` | Delivery by Found Document | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Podcast, Short Story, Comics, Interactive Fiction · genres: Horror, Crime, Mystery, Historical, Science Fiction, True Crime |
| `expo.explainer_scaffold` | The Explainer Scaffold | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: explainer, documentary, non-fiction book, educational, reel · genres: science, history, medical |
| `expo.exposition_fairy` | The Exposition Fairy | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.exposition_under_pressure` | Exposition Under Pressure | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, thriller novel, game · genres: thriller, action, medical, war, heist |
| `expo.familiar_anchor` | Familiar Anchor, One Strange Word | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, short story, feature, animation, reel · genres: science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, horror |
| `expo.first_hearing_test` | The First-Hearing Test | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Voiceover Script, Audio Drama, Explainer, Stage Play, Preschool, Documentary · genres: all |
| `expo.framing_text_furniture` | Framing Text Furniture | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary, Essay, Comics · genres: Historical, Epic, Science Fiction, War, Heritage, Literary |
| `expo.game_rule_commentary` | Explain on the Incident | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Series, Feature Film, Documentary, Reels/Shorts, Live Event, Game Narrative · genres: Sports, Underdog, Procedural, Courtroom, Action, Martial Arts |
| `expo.glossary_crutch` | The Glossary Crutch | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.heritage_specificity` | Heritage Specificity | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: documentary, heritage video, feature film, non-fiction book, reel · genres: history, heritage, biography |
| `expo.history_prologue` | The Prologue of History | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series pilot, novel, animation, documentary · genres: epic fantasy, science fiction, war, historical, heritage |
| `expo.horror_rule_victim` | The Rule Taught on a Casualty | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Series, Novel, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, Survival, Cosmic Horror, Mystery |
| `expo.iceberg_principle` | The Iceberg Principle | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, feature, series, documentary · genres: fantasy, science fiction, historical, crime |
| `expo.implication_worldbuilding` | Worldbuilding by Implication | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, feature, documentary, short film, reel · genres: science fiction, fantasy, historical, dystopia, heritage |
| `expo.interview_cutaway` | The Interview Cutaway | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Heritage Documentary, Documentary Interview, Reportage, Brand Film · genres: Journalism, Heritage, History, True Crime, Testimony, Advocacy |
| `expo.jargon_threshold` | The Jargon Threshold | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: series, feature, documentary, novel · genres: medical, legal, military, crime, sport |
| `expo.joke_carries_the_fact` | The Joke That Carries the Fact | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Feature Film, Novel, Animated Series, Sketch · genres: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Satire, Dark Comedy, Farce |
| `expo.kids_repetition_ladder` | Say It, See It, Ask For It | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Preschool, Kids Story, Animated Series, Kids Song, Picture Book, Educational · genres: Kids, Preschool, Educational, Fable, Musical |
| `expo.lapsed_learner_re_entry` | Writing for the Return Visit | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Explainer, UX Writing, Corporate, Educational, Interactive Fiction, Game Narrative · genres: Educational, Workplace, Science, Lifestyle |
| `expo.lore_dump` | The Lore Dump | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.mechanism_statement` | The Mechanism Statement | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Advertising, Product Video, Explainer, UGC Ad, PSA, Carousel · genres: Advocacy, Science, Educational, Lifestyle, Medical, Political |
| `expo.name_the_fact_first` | Name the Fact Before the Scene | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `expo.need_to_know_ladder` | Need-to-Know Ladder | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, thriller novel, game · genres: heist, science fiction, legal, medical, spy |
| `expo.newcomer_eye` | The Newcomer's Eye | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series pilot, novel, animation · genres: fantasy, science fiction, coming of age, crime, migration |
| `expo.numbered_step_list` | The Numbered Step List | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Explainer, UX Writing, Corporate, Educational, Product Video, Game Narrative · genres: Educational, Science, Workplace, Medical, Lifestyle |
| `expo.object_tells_rule` | The Object That States the Rule | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, animation, heritage video · genres: historical, fantasy, period drama, military, heritage |
| `expo.offscreen_world` | The Off-Screen World | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, radio drama, podcast, series, short film, game · genres: war, thriller, science fiction, horror, kitchen sink |
| `expo.onscreen_graphics` | On-Screen Graphics and Kinetic Text | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Explainer, Reels/Shorts, Documentary, Motion Graphics, Advertising, Product Video · genres: Educational, Journalism, Science, Advocacy, Lifestyle |
| `expo.optional_appendix` | The Optional Appendix | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, series bible, non-fiction book, game narrative · genres: epic fantasy, historical, science fiction, heritage |
| `expo.over_taught_rule` | The Over-Taught Rule | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.page_furniture` | The Page's Framing Furniture | [cat-expo-4.md](cat-expo-4.md) | formats: Novel, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Essay, Reportage, Memoir, Comics · genres: Literary, Historical, Heritage, Journalism, Crime, Epic |
| `expo.pilot_load_split` | Pilot Load Versus Season Load | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Television Pilot, Series, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Limited Series, Web Series · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Procedural, Workplace, Crime, Political |
| `expo.prerequisite_block` | The Prerequisite Block | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Explainer, UX Writing, Corporate, Educational, Immersive, Live Event · genres: Educational, Science, Workplace, Medical, Lifestyle, Advocacy |
| `expo.procedural_exposition` | Procedural Exposition | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, documentary, novel, game narrative · genres: heist, medical, procedural, science fiction, science, war |
| `expo.proper_noun_avalanche` | The Proper Noun Avalanche | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.proper_noun_budget` | The Proper Noun Budget | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, feature, series pilot, short film · genres: fantasy, science fiction, historical epic, political drama |
| `expo.re_entry_exposition` | Re-Entry at the Episode Opening | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Serialised Fiction, Podcast, Comics, Soap · genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery, Family Drama, Workplace, Political |
| `expo.recap_sequence` | The Recap Sequence | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Soap, Limited Series, Procedural, Web Series · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Political, Melodrama, Science Fiction |
| `expo.redundant_flashback` | The Flashback That Explains What Was Clear | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.relocate_downstream` | Move It Downstream | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, series, documentary, explainer · genres: any |
| `expo.resistant_listener` | Give the Listener a Reason to Resist | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, stage play, podcast drama · genres: thriller, drama, legal, science fiction, procedural |
| `expo.retroactive_rule` | Retroactive Rule Invention | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.rule_by_demonstration` | Rule by Demonstration | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, game, animation · genres: fantasy, science fiction, action, sport, heist |
| `expo.rule_cost_demo` | Show the Rule's Price | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, game · genres: fantasy, science fiction, horror, superhero, thriller |
| `expo.season_two_reteach` | Re-Teaching in Season Two | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Animated Series, Serialised Fiction, Novel · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime, Political, Superhero, Workplace |
| `expo.short_form_frontload` | Short-Form Front-Loading | [cat-expo.md](cat-expo.md) | formats: reel, short, TikTok, trailer, ad, title sequence, explainer · genres: heritage, comedy, history, advertising |
| `expo.skippable_by_design` | Exposition the Player Can Skip | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Visual Novel, Interactive Fiction, XR, Immersive, Web Series · genres: Adventure, Action, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Survival |
| `expo.split_across_three_scenes` | Split It Across Three Scenes | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Series, Documentary, Audio Drama, Stage Play · genres: all |
| `expo.spoiler_recap` | The Recap That Spoils | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.statement_into_question` | Turn the Statement Into a Question | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Series, Novel, Stage Play, Audio Drama, Podcast · genres: Thriller, Crime, Procedural, Science Fiction, Medical, Political |
| `expo.trade_paragraph_for_image` | Trade the Paragraph for an Image | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Comics, Animation Feature, Short Film, Novel, Reels/Shorts · genres: all |
| `expo.translation_convention_breach` | The Translation-Convention Breach | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.tutorial_by_level_design` | The Tutorial That Isn't One | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, XR, Visual Novel, Immersive, Educational · genres: Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Survival, Educational |
| `expo.two_touch_rule` | The Two-Touch Rule | [cat-expo-2.md](cat-expo-2.md) | formats: Audio Drama, Podcast, Audiobook, Voiceover Script, Stage Play, Live Event · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Testimony, Educational, Horror |
| `expo.unread_instruction` | The Instruction Nobody Reads | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `expo.warning_notice` | The Warning Notice | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Explainer, UX Writing, Corporate, PSA, Educational, Live Event · genres: Educational, Workplace, Medical, Survival, Advocacy, Science |
| `expo.worked_example` | The Worked Example | [cat-expo-3.md](cat-expo-3.md) | formats: Educational, Explainer, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Corporate, Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction · genres: Educational, Science, Workplace, Lifestyle, Medical |
| `info.access_as_structure` | Access as Structure | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama · genres: Journalism, Crime, Historical, Social Drama, Heritage |
| `info.adaptation_double_audience` | The Adaptation's Double Audience | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel · genres: Drama, Crime, Historical, Science Fiction, Mystery, Tragedy |
| `info.anonymity_decision` | The Source You Cannot Name | [cat-info-4.md](cat-info-4.md) | formats: Reportage, Documentary, Documentary Interview, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast, Documentary Series · genres: Journalism, Testimony, Crime, Political, Workplace, Advocacy |
| `info.answer_to_unasked_question` | The Answer to a Question Never Asked | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `info.archive_as_reveal` | Archive as Reveal | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series, Podcast, Reels/Shorts · genres: Historical, Heritage, Journalism, War, Social Drama, Crime |
| `info.attention_misdirection` | Misdirection by Attention | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, Psychological, Noir |
| `info.audience_only_secret` | The Secret the Reader Holds | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Novel, Documentary · genres: Tragedy, Historical, War, Heritage, Thriller, Horror |
| `info.between_episode_memory` | What the Audience Carries Between Episodes | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Podcast, Vertical Micro-Drama, Comics · genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Social Drama |
| `info.binding_secret` | The Secret That Binds | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Family Drama, Noir, Thriller, Social Drama, Historical |
| `info.bolted_on_disclaimer` | The Bolted-On Disclaimer | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `info.buried_plant` | The Buried Plant | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Psychological, Noir |
| `info.character_asymmetry` | Information Asymmetry Between Characters | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Novel · genres: Comedy, Crime, Family Drama, Tragedy, Drama, Historical |
| `info.chekhovs_gun` | Chekhov's Gun | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Tragedy, Horror, Drama |
| `info.cliffhanger_reveal` | The Cliffhanger Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Social Drama, Science Fiction |
| `info.cold_open_reveal` | The Cold-Open Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, Documentary · genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Historical, Noir, Social Drama |
| `info.communal_version` | The Community's Version of a Person | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Heritage Documentary · genres: Social Drama, Heritage, Family Drama, Historical, Crime, Tragedy |
| `info.contradictory_sources` | Contradiction Between Sources | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, Documentary, Podcast · genres: Crime, Journalism, Psychological, Historical, War, Social Drama |
| `info.cost_of_telling` | The Cost of Telling | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Drama, Tragedy, Historical |
| `info.credibility_ladder` | The Credibility Ladder | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary, Podcast, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Journalism, Mystery, Social Drama, Thriller, Historical |
| `info.credibility_spend` | The Credibility Spend | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Documentary Series, Advertising, Series, Podcast, Brand Film, PSA · genres: Political, Advocacy, Journalism, Lifestyle, Crime |
| `info.damaging_admission` | The Concession That Buys Belief | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Advertising, Brand Film, Documentary, Podcast, Memoir, Corporate · genres: Advocacy, Journalism, Political, Lifestyle, Testimony, Biography |
| `info.deducibility_audit` | What the Audience Must Not Be Able to Work Out Yet | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Detective, Psychological, Science Fiction |
| `info.delayed_decoding` | Delayed Decoding | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Short Film, Game Narrative, One-Hour Drama · genres: War, Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Crime, Drama |
| `info.deliberate_unanswered_question` | The Deliberately Unanswered Question | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Feature Film, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Psychological, Drama, Literary, Tragedy, Horror, Social Drama |
| `info.disclosure_as_content` | The Disclosure Written as Content | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: UGC Ad, Advertising, Reels/Shorts, Vlog, Podcast, Carousel · genres: Lifestyle, Advocacy, Political, Journalism, Comedy |
| `info.disclosure_budget` | The Disclosure Budget | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Novel · genres: Historical, Heritage, Science Fiction, Crime, Journalism, Social Drama |
| `info.disproved_fact` | The Fact That Turns Out To Be Wrong | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Historical, Social Drama, Journalism, Family Drama, Psychological |
| `info.disputed_history` | Disputed History | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, Podcast · genres: Heritage, Historical, War, Social Drama, Journalism, Tragedy |
| `info.doc_reveal_structure` | Documentary Reveal Structure | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series · genres: Journalism, Crime, Historical, Heritage, Social Drama, Psychological |
| `info.double_meaning_clue` | The Double-Meaning Clue | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Stage Play · genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Noir, Drama, Horror |
| `info.double_reveal` | The Double Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Short Film, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Noir, Horror, Psychological |
| `info.dramatic_irony` | Dramatic Irony | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Tragedy, Thriller, Comedy, Family Drama, Historical |
| `info.embargoed_fact` | The Fact You Are Not Allowed to State | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Reportage, True Crime, Podcast, Memoir · genres: Journalism, Crime, Political, Testimony, Workplace, Biography |
| `info.fact_check_pass` | The Fact-Check Pass | [cat-info-4.md](cat-info-4.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Reportage, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast, Essay · genres: Journalism, Heritage, Historical, Science, Biography, Advocacy |
| `info.fair_play_contract` | The Fair-Play Contract | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Mystery, Crime, Noir, Thriller, Psychological |
| `info.finding_the_moment` | Finding Rather Than Writing | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Interview Podcast, Reels/Shorts, Podcast, Reportage · genres: Journalism, Testimony, Crime, Heritage, Sports, Lifestyle |
| `info.foreshadowing` | Foreshadowing | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Tragedy, Drama, Horror, Historical, Family Drama, Coming of Age |
| `info.gap_before_the_device` | Name the Gap Before the Device | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `info.hearsay_evidence` | Hearsay as Evidence | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast, Stage Play · genres: Crime, Noir, Social Drama, Historical, Mystery, Heritage |
| `info.heritage_audience_correction` | The Audience That Will Correct You | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Feature Film, Limited Series, Reels/Shorts, Short Film · genres: Heritage, Historical, War, Social Drama, Journalism, Drama |
| `info.information_map` | The Information Map | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Historical, Science Fiction |
| `info.interview_admission` | The Interview Admission | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series · genres: Journalism, Crime, Social Drama, Historical, Psychological |
| `info.isolating_secret` | The Secret That Isolates | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Short Story, Limited Series · genres: Psychological, Drama, Family Drama, Social Drama, Tragedy, Heritage |
| `info.knowledge_ledger` | The Knowledge Ledger | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Novel, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Psychological, Social Drama |
| `info.known_ending_structure` | Structuring a Known Ending | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Historical, Heritage, War, Tragedy, Social Drama, Journalism |
| `info.lesser_guilt` | The Lesser Guilt | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Podcast · genres: Crime, Mystery, Social Drama, Family Drama, Noir, Drama |
| `info.micro_reveal_ladder` | The Micro-Reveal Ladder | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, Podcast · genres: Romance, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Family Drama, Comedy |
| `info.midpoint_reveal` | The Midpoint Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Family Drama, Thriller, Historical |
| `info.missable_reveal` | The Reveal a Player May Never Reach | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Crime, Psychological, Drama |
| `info.multiple_paths_one_fact` | Several Roads to One Fact | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Limited Series, Novel · genres: Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama |
| `info.mystery_audience_behind` | Mystery — The Audience Behind | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Mystery, Crime, Noir, Psychological, Drama |
| `info.mystery_without_stakes` | The Mystery With No Stakes | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `info.naive_narrator` | The Naive Narrator | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Short Film, Animation Feature, Stage Play · genres: Coming of Age, Social Drama, War, Family Drama, Comedy, Historical |
| `info.never_disclosed` | What the Audience Never Learns | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Short Story, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Psychological, Family Drama, Literary, Historical |
| `info.open_secret` | The Open Secret | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Short Film · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Comedy, Heritage, Historical, Tragedy |
| `info.physical_proof` | The Physical Proof | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Noir, Family Drama, Historical |
| `info.plant_and_payoff` | The Plant and the Payoff | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature, Short Film · genres: Thriller, Crime, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Coming of Age |
| `info.platform_upload_switches` | The Upload Switches: Made for Kids and the AI Label | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Kids Content, Animated Series, Music Video, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok), Heritage / Historical Documentary, Explainer · genres: Children's, Educational, Heritage (civilisation-focused), Documentary |
| `info.recap_without_recap` | Recap Without a Recap | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Podcast, Vertical Micro-Drama, Comics · genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Family Drama, Science Fiction |
| `info.recontextualising_reveal` | The Recontextualising Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Stage Play · genres: Psychological, Mystery, Drama, Thriller, Tragedy, Noir |
| `info.red_herring` | The Red Herring | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Noir, Psychological |
| `info.restricted_narration` | Restricted Narration | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Game Narrative, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Mystery, War, Noir |
| `info.reveal_lands_on_character` | Let the Reveal Land on a Character | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Tragedy, Crime, Social Drama, Romance |
| `info.reveal_nobody_wanted` | The Reveal Nobody Was Waiting For | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `info.rule_of_three_placements` | The Rule of Three Placements | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Mystery, Drama, Science Fiction |
| `info.rumour_chain` | The Rumour Chain | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Novel, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Social Drama, Family Drama, Comedy, Historical, Heritage, Crime |
| `info.source_on_screen` | The Source on Screen | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Documentary, Reportage, Reels/Shorts, Motion Graphics, Explainer, Carousel · genres: Journalism, Advocacy, Science, Political, Crime, Historical |
| `info.staged_reveal` | The Staged Reveal | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Mystery, Drama, Social Drama, Family Drama, Thriller |
| `info.surprise` | Surprise | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Reels/Shorts, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Horror, Thriller, War, Crime, Tragedy |
| `info.suspense_shared_knowledge` | Suspense Through Shared Knowledge | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Novel · genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, War, Psychological |
| `info.telegraphing` | Telegraphing | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Animation Feature, Feature Film, Stage Play, Reels/Shorts · genres: Comedy, Tragedy, Family Drama |
| `info.the_cheat` | The Cheat | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Feature Film, Novel and Limited Series, and in Psychological, Mystery and Thriller, where the audience has invested most in reasoning) |
| `info.the_confidant` | The Confidant | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Podcast · genres: Crime, Drama, Family Drama, Mystery, Noir, Social Drama |
| `info.the_correction` | The Correction | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Reportage, Podcast, Documentary Series, Vlog, Essay, Carousel · genres: Journalism, Advocacy, Political, Science |
| `info.the_document` | The Document | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Mystery, Historical, Heritage, Journalism, Social Drama |
| `info.the_retcon` | The Retcon | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Comics, Game Narrative, Novel · genres: Science Fiction, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Horror |
| `info.the_witness` | The Witness | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Podcast, Documentary · genres: Crime, Journalism, Historical, War, Social Drama, Mystery |
| `info.thrice_told_fact` | The Fact Told Three Times | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `info.true_story_frame` | The "Based on True Events" Frame | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Short Film · genres: Historical, Crime, Journalism, Heritage, War, Social Drama |
| `info.unreliable_narrator` | The Unreliable Narrator | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Psychological, Noir, Mystery, Drama, Horror, Crime |
| `info.unverified_allegation` | The Allegation You Cannot Verify | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Reportage, Documentary, True Crime, Podcast, Documentary Series, Essay · genres: Journalism, Crime, Political, Testimony, Advocacy |
| `info.wholly_generated_piece` | The Piece With Nothing Filmed | [cat-info-3.md](cat-info-3.md) | formats: Heritage / Historical Documentary, Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Explainer, Reportage, Museum Installation, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok), Video Essay · genres: Heritage (civilisation-focused), Documentary, Educational, Historical |
| `info.withheld_pov` | The Withheld Point of View | [cat-info.md](cat-info.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Mystery, Crime, Psychological, Noir, Horror, Drama |
| `info.withholding_from_the_subject` | Withholding From the Subject | [cat-info-2.md](cat-info-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series · genres: Journalism, Social Drama, Crime, Historical, Heritage |
| `inter.accessible_interaction` | Accessible Interaction | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Museum Installation, Exhibition, Web Interactive · genres: Children, Educational, Heritage |
| `inter.agency_of_passage` | The Agency of Passage | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, VR, Site-Specific · genres: Heritage, Educational, Art |
| `inter.archive_way_in` | The Archive Way In | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Web Journalism · genres: Heritage, History, Nonfiction |
| `inter.arg_pacing` | ARG Pacing | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Social Campaign, Cross-Platform, Brand Interactive · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Brand |
| `inter.audience_asked_to_act` | Asking the Audience to Act | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Immersive, Live Event, Stage Play, PSA, Monologue, Educational, Documentary Interview · genres: Advocacy, Faith, Heritage, Testimony, Social Drama, Educational, Kids |
| `inter.authored_reply` | Writing the Reply as Part of the Post | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Essay, Carousel, Web Series, Vlog, Podcast, UGC Ad · genres: Educational, Lifestyle, Advocacy, Journalism, Comedy, Slice of Life, Heritage |
| `inter.balance_cast_testimony` | Balancing the Testimony Cast | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Oral History · genres: Nonfiction, Heritage, Journalism |
| `inter.bark` | The Bark | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Animation, VR · genres: All |
| `inter.boxed_read_aloud` | The Boxed Read-Aloud | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Exhibition, Kids App · genres: Heritage, Educational, Nonfiction |
| `inter.branch_and_bottleneck` | Branch and Bottleneck | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Film, Interactive Documentary, Narrative Game, Kids App · genres: All |
| `inter.branch_sourcing` | Branch Sourcing | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Web Journalism · genres: Nonfiction, Journalism, History |
| `inter.canon_ending_problem` | The Canon Ending Problem | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Film, Narrative Game, Commissioned Interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.chat_thread_fiction` | Chat-Thread Fiction | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Serialised Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama, Web Series, Short Story · genres: Thriller, Horror, Romance, Mystery, Coming of Age, Drama, Dark Comedy |
| `inter.choice_framing` | Choice Framing and Option Order | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Game Narrative, Visual Novel, Conversational Agent, UX Writing, Educational · genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Political, Thriller, Educational |
| `inter.choose_the_system_first` | Choose the System, Then Take Its Parts | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: all interactive · genres: all |
| `inter.chosen_path_explainer` | The Chosen-Path Explainer | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Web Explainer, Museum Installation, Interactive Documentary · genres: Educational, Nonfiction, Heritage |
| `inter.clicked_therefore_understood` | Clicked, Therefore Understood | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Kids App, Web Explainer, Interactive Documentary · genres: Educational, Nonfiction, Heritage |
| `inter.combinatorial_explosion` | The Combinatorial Explosion | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: All interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.conditional_localisation` | Conditional Localisation | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Museum Installation, Web Interactive · genres: Children, Heritage, Educational |
| `inter.consent_without_a_cut` | Consent Without a Cut | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Oral History, Museum Installation · genres: Nonfiction, Heritage, Journalism |
| `inter.conversational_persona` | The Conversational Persona | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Web Interactive, Social Interactive · genres: Educational, Heritage, Comedy, Brand |
| `inter.data_surface` | The Data Surface | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Web Journalism, Interactive Documentary, Web Explainer · genres: Nonfiction, Educational, Journalism |
| `inter.delayed_consequence` | Delayed Consequence | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: interactive fiction, RPGs, serialised interactive drama · genres: crime, political thriller, family saga, horror |
| `inter.depth_on_demand` | Depth on Demand | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Explainer, Educational, Reportage, UX Writing, Carousel, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Journalism, Science, Educational, Heritage, Medical, Historical |
| `inter.designed_for_the_stitch` | Designed for the Stitch | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Short-Form Social, Kids Song, Social Interactive · genres: Children, Comedy, Educational, Music |
| `inter.diegetic_tutorial` | The Diegetic Tutorial | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Narrative Game, Museum Installation · genres: Children, Educational, All |
| `inter.ending_budget` | The Ending Budget | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Film, Narrative Game, Interactive Fiction · genres: All |
| `inter.environmental_storytelling` | Environmental Storytelling | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Museum Installation, VR, Interactive Documentary · genres: All |
| `inter.epilogue_card` | The Epilogue Card | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Narrative Game, Short-Form Social, Interactive Documentary · genres: All |
| `inter.fail_state_as_story` | Fail State as Story | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Narrative Game, Educational Interactive · genres: Children, Educational, Horror, Survival |
| `inter.false_branch` | The False Branch | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: All interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.flavour_choice` | The Flavour Choice | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Kids Song, Interactive Fiction, Social Interactive · genres: Children, Comedy, Educational |
| `inter.found_document` | The Found Document | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation · genres: Mystery, History, Heritage, Horror |
| `inter.gated_progression` | Gated Progression | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation · genres: Mystery, Educational, Heritage |
| `inter.gauntlet` | The Gauntlet | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Film · genres: Thriller, Tragedy, Horror, War |
| `inter.guarded_generation` | Guarded Generation | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Web Interactive, Interactive Documentary · genres: Heritage, Educational, Nonfiction |
| `inter.hub_and_spoke` | Hub and Spoke | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Kids App, Web Explainer · genres: Nonfiction, Educational, Heritage |
| `inter.illusion_of_agency` | The Illusion of Agency | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: AAA narrative games, interactive film, immersive theatre · genres: action, sci-fi, adventure |
| `inter.interactive_adaptation` | Interactive Adaptation | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Film, Museum Installation, Brand Interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.ludonarrative_dissonance` | Ludonarrative Dissonance | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: All interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.meaningful_choice_test` | The Meaningful Choice Test | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: interactive fiction, game narrative, visual novel, XR · genres: all |
| `inter.meta_structure` | Meta-Narrative and the Fourth Wall | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, Immersive, XR · genres: Horror, Satire, Psychological, Surreal, Science Fiction, Dark Comedy |
| `inter.no_good_option` | The Choice With No Good Option | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: game narrative, IF, educational · genres: tragedy, war, political drama, horror, medical drama |
| `inter.nonfiction_branch_contract` | The Nonfiction Branch Contract | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Web Journalism, Museum Installation · genres: Nonfiction, Journalism, History, Heritage |
| `inter.outlive_the_platform` | Outliving the Platform | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Commissioned Interactive · genres: Heritage, Nonfiction, Educational |
| `inter.pacing_without_control` | Pacing Without Control | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Kids App, Interactive Documentary, Web Explainer · genres: All |
| `inter.paraphrase_drift` | Paraphrase Drift | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Oral History · genres: Nonfiction, Heritage, Journalism |
| `inter.party_banter` | Party Banter | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Animation Series · genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Children |
| `inter.path_that_omits` | The Path That Omits | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Web Journalism, Museum Installation · genres: Nonfiction, Journalism, Heritage |
| `inter.permadeath_writing` | Writing for Permadeath | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game · genres: Horror, Survival, Tragedy, War |
| `inter.personalisation_limit` | The Personalisation Limit | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids App, Web Interactive, Museum Installation · genres: Children, Educational, Brand |
| `inter.platform_contract` | The Platform Contract | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: All interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.player_character_voice` | The Player Character's Voice | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Fiction, VR · genres: All |
| `inter.player_driven_arc` | The Player-Driven Arc | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Film · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Moral |
| `inter.presence_writing` | Presence Writing | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: VR, Museum Installation, Site-Specific · genres: Heritage, Documentary, Art, Horror |
| `inter.puzzle_construction` | Puzzle Construction | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Museum Installation, Interactive Fiction · genres: Mystery, Adventure, Educational |
| `inter.quality_based_narrative` | Quality-Based Narrative | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Fiction, Serialised App · genres: Drama, Romance, Political |
| `inter.rabbit_hole` | The Rabbit Hole and the Trailhead | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Immersive, Live Event, Game Narrative, Advertising, Web Series, Podcast, Educational · genres: Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller, Detective, Heritage |
| `inter.save_scum_problem` | The Save-Scum Problem | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Film · genres: Drama, Moral, Thriller |
| `inter.second_person_default` | The Second Person and Its Alternatives | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Game Narrative, Visual Novel, XR, Novel · genres: Horror, Mystery, Literary, Science Fiction, Psychological, Drama |
| `inter.second_run_reward` | The Second-Run Reward | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Narrative Game, Short-Form Social · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama |
| `inter.session_recap` | The Session Recap | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Serialised App, Podcast, Social Live · genres: All |
| `inter.skippable_layering` | Writing for the Skipper | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: games, visual novels, interactive fiction, educational · genres: all |
| `inter.state_flag` | The State Flag | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: All interactive · genres: All |
| `inter.storylet` | The Storylet | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Narrative Game, Interactive Fiction, Serialised App · genres: All |
| `inter.string_budget` | The String-Length Budget | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: UX Writing, Game Narrative, Motion Graphics, Explainer, Product Video, Corporate, Educational · genres: Educational, Workplace, Science, Lifestyle, Advocacy |
| `inter.symmetrical_fabrication` | Symmetrical Fabrication | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Web Journalism, Museum Installation · genres: Nonfiction, Journalism, History, Heritage |
| `inter.testimony_selector` | The Testimony Selector | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Interactive Documentary, Museum Installation, Oral History · genres: Nonfiction, Heritage, History |
| `inter.timed_choice` | The Timed Choice | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, XR, Immersive, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Thriller, Horror, Action, Crime, Survival, Drama |
| `inter.unchosen_path` | The Unchosen Path as Content | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Educational, Immersive, Explainer, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Testimony, Heritage, Journalism, Historical, Migration, Advocacy |
| `inter.user_asked_question` | The User-Asked Question | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Interactive Documentary, Web Interactive · genres: Heritage, Educational, Nonfiction |
| `inter.visitor_arc` | The Visitor Arc | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Exhibition, Site-Specific · genres: Heritage, History, Art |
| `inter.voice_first_narrative` | Voice-First Narrative | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Kids Audio, Audio Guide, Voice App · genres: Children, Heritage, Educational |
| `inter.walk_up_entry` | The Walk-Up Entry | [interactive-and-branching.md](interactive-and-branching.md) | formats: Museum Installation, Exhibition Loop, Site-Specific · genres: Heritage, Nonfiction, Art |
| `open.abandoned_device` | The Device Used Once | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.backstory_open` | The Backstory Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series, Feature Film · genres: Heritage, Historical, Fantasy, Epic, War |
| `open.broken_logline_reading` | Reading a Broken Logline | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Pitch Document, Game Narrative · genres: all |
| `open.chapter_opening` | The Chapter Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Memoir, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Serialised Fiction · genres: all prose |
| `open.character_hook` | The Character Hook | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Short Story, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Podcast, Stage Play · genres: Literary, Comedy, Drama, Coming of Age, Social Drama, Family Drama |
| `open.cold_open` | The Cold Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Limited Series, Web Series, Feature Film, Podcast · genres: Crime, Procedural, Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Science Fiction, Horror |
| `open.comedy_premise_statement` | The Premise Stated | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Feature Film, Reels/Shorts, Web Series, Animation Feature, Stage Play · genres: Comedy, Satire, Family Drama, Romance |
| `open.contract_opening` | The Contract Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all |
| `open.crew_assembly` | The Crew Assembly | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, One-Hour Drama, Novel · genres: Heist, Crime, War, Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction, Thriller |
| `open.declarative_first_line` | The Declarative Opening | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Essay, Short Story, Podcast, Pitch Document · genres: Literary, Drama, Crime, Heritage, Comedy, Social Drama, Historical |
| `open.documentary_open` | The Documentary Open | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Podcast, Explainer, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Heritage, Journalism, Historical, Social Drama, War, Nature, Educational |
| `open.enter_on_the_answer` | Enter on the Answer | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Podcast, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Thriller, Crime, Comedy, Melodrama, Drama, Romance |
| `open.episode_opening` | The Episode Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast, Animation Series · genres: Crime, Procedural, Drama, Comedy, Melodrama, Family Drama |
| `open.essay_first_move` | The Essay's First Move | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Essay, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast, Documentary, Memoir, Explainer · genres: Journalism, Literary, Heritage, Social Drama, Historical, Educational, Advocacy |
| `open.explainer_promise` | The Explainer's Promise | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Explainer, Documentary, Podcast, Reels/Shorts, Essay, Animation · genres: Educational, Journalism, Heritage, Historical, Advocacy, Lifestyle |
| `open.false_start` | The False Start | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Half-Hour Comedy, Animation · genres: Comedy, Psychological, Satire, Surreal, Horror |
| `open.first_choice` | The First Choice | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Interactive Fiction, Game Narrative, Vertical Micro-Drama, Web Series · genres: Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction, Horror, Romance, Adventure, Social Drama |
| `open.first_line_job` | What the First Line Must Do | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Essay, Podcast, Stage Play, Pitch Document · genres: all |
| `open.first_paragraph_contents` | What Belongs in the First Paragraph | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Essay, Pitch Document, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: all prose |
| `open.first_second_hook` | The First-Second Hook | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Advertising, Explainer, Web Series · genres: Comedy, Melodrama, Educational, Advocacy, Thriller, Lifestyle |
| `open.framing_prologue` | The Framing Prologue | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Documentary, Podcast, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Heritage, Historical, Crime, War, Literary, Family Drama, Migration |
| `open.horror_cold_open` | The Horror Cold Open | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Short Film, Series, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction |
| `open.information_order` | The Order of Information | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Essay, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Pitch Document · genres: all prose |
| `open.last_ordinary_day` | The Last Ordinary Day | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Animation Feature, Documentary, Memoir · genres: Coming of Age, Heritage, Family Drama, War, Historical, Tragedy, Social Drama |
| `open.logline_diagnostic` | The Logline as Diagnostic | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Pitch Document, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: all |
| `open.loop_opening` | The Loop Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Animation, Advertising · genres: Comedy, Thriller, Psychological, Melodrama, Educational |
| `open.mid_sentence_open` | Opening Mid-Sentence | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Stage Play, Memoir, Podcast, Essay, Audio Drama · genres: Literary, Comedy, Drama, Satire, Psychological, Social Drama |
| `open.mystery_discovery` | The Discovery Open | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Podcast, Limited Series, Documentary, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Short Story · genres: Mystery, Crime, Procedural, Thriller, Historical, Heritage |
| `open.nut_graf` | The Nut Graf | [cat-open-3.md](cat-open-3.md) | formats: Reportage, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Essay, Documentary, Explainer, Podcast · genres: Journalism, Heritage, Advocacy, Educational, Historical, Science |
| `open.object_opening` | The Object Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Short Story · genres: Crime, Literary, Heritage, Historical, Drama, Mystery, War |
| `open.open_mid_situation` | Open Mid-Situation | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Web Series, Advertising · genres: Melodrama, Revenge, Romance, Family Drama, Crime, Thriller |
| `open.opening_image_answered` | Opening Image, Answered | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Documentary · genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Family Drama, Romance, Heritage, Tragedy, Comedy |
| `open.opening_question_line` | The Opening Question | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Essay, Podcast, Explainer, Documentary, Novel, Short Story, Feature Film · genres: Literary, Journalism, Educational, Mystery, Drama, Heritage, Social Drama |
| `open.ordinary_day_slightly_wrong` | The Ordinary Day, Slightly Wrong | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Horror, Psychological, Literary, Social Drama, Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery |
| `open.orientation_vs_intrigue` | Orientation Against Intrigue | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast, Game Narrative, Essay · genres: all |
| `open.overload_open` | The Overload Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.overwritten_first_line` | The Over-Written First Line | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.package_undersell` | The Package That Undersells the Work | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.pitch_first_page` | The First Page of a Pitch Document | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Pitch Document, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Documentary, Feature Film, Game Narrative · genres: all |
| `open.procedural_body` | The Body on Page One | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Series, Novel, Limited Series, Podcast, Short Story · genres: Procedural, Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Medical, Legal |
| `open.prologue_disguised_chapter` | The Prologue That Is Chapter One in Disguise | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.prologue_earned` | The Prologue That Earns Itself | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Game Narrative, Podcast, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Thriller, Fantasy, Historical, Heritage, Mystery, Horror |
| `open.prologue_other_register` | The Prologue in Another Time or Register | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Documentary, Podcast, Stage Play · genres: Heritage, Historical, Literary, Mystery, War, Family Drama, Migration |
| `open.promise_before_the_move` | Name the Promise Before the Move | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `open.question_planted_first` | The Question Planted First | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Podcast, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Literary, Crime, Psychological, Noir |
| `open.rule_of_the_world` | The Rule of the World | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Game Narrative, Heritage Documentary · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Heritage, Dystopia, Western, Social Drama |
| `open.scale_reveal` | The Scale Reveal Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Novel, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: War, Heritage, Historical, Science Fiction, Epic, Disaster, Survival |
| `open.scene_opening` | The Scene Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `open.series_opening` | The Series Opening | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Limited Series, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast · genres: Crime, Drama, Comedy, Procedural, Science Fiction, Family Drama |
| `open.situation_hook` | The Situation Hook | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Vertical Micro-Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery |
| `open.stated_promise` | The Stated Promise | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Explainer, Vlog, Educational, Advertising, Podcast, Documentary · genres: Educational, Science, Advocacy, Journalism, Lifestyle, Heritage |
| `open.subtitled_open` | The Opening Under Subtitles | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Documentary, Limited Series, Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Film, Animation Feature · genres: Heritage, Historical, War, Social Drama, Drama, Crime, Migration |
| `open.the_meet` | The Meet | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Half-Hour Comedy, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama, Limited Series, Reels/Shorts, Stage Play · genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Coming of Age, Family Drama |
| `open.theme_stated_early` | Theme Stated Early | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Comedy, Family, Coming of Age, Romance, Sports, Redemption |
| `open.title_changes_meaning` | The Title That Changes Meaning | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Documentary, Stage Play, Podcast · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Crime, Literary, Heritage, War, Family Drama, Mystery |
| `open.title_delayed` | The Title-Delayed Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Short Film, Documentary · genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime, Horror, Science Fiction, Literary, War |
| `open.title_genre_mismatch` | The Title That Promises the Wrong Genre | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.title_thumbnail_contract` | The Title-Thumbnail Contract | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Reels/Shorts, Explainer, Documentary, Podcast, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Educational, Lifestyle, Heritage, Comedy, Journalism, Advocacy |
| `open.tutorial_as_scene` | The Tutorial That Is a Scene | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Animation, Explainer · genres: Adventure, Science Fiction, Horror, Drama, Heritage, Mystery, Social Drama |
| `open.unearned_stakes` | The Unearned Stakes Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Feature Film, Game Narrative, Animation Feature · genres: Action, Disaster, Science Fiction, War, Horror |
| `open.visual_promise` | The Visual Promise | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Series, Reels/Shorts, Podcast, Documentary, Game Narrative · genres: all |
| `open.voice_hook` | The Voice Hook | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Essay, Short Story, Podcast, Audio Drama · genres: Literary, Comedy, Satire, Social Drama, Heritage, Historical |
| `open.voice_vs_plot_first_line` | Voice-Promising Against Plot-Promising First Lines | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Feature Film, Limited Series, Pitch Document · genres: all |
| `open.voiceover_open` | The Voiceover Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Feature Film, Novel, Podcast, Animation Feature · genres: Crime, Heritage, Historical, Literary, Noir, Comedy, War |
| `open.war_arrival` | The Arrival | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Documentary, Game Narrative, Stage Play · genres: War, Social Drama, Historical, Heritage, Migration, Drama, Science Fiction |
| `open.weather_open` | The Weather Open | [cat-open.md](cat-open.md) | formats: Novel, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Essay · genres: Literary, Nature, Heritage, Historical |
| `open.wrong_character_first` | The Wrong Character First | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `open.wrong_promise` | The Opening That Promises a Different Piece | [cat-open-2.md](cat-open-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.across_a_language` | The Relationship Across a Language | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story, Documentary · genres: Migration, Drama, Romance, War, Literary, Social Drama |
| `rel.admiration_chorus` | The Admiration Chorus | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.asymmetric_investment` | Asymmetric Investment | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, feature, series, short story, stage play · genres: literary, drama, comedy, romance, coming of age |
| `rel.bond_across_a_time_jump` | The Bond Across a Time Jump | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Series, Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Serialised Fiction, One-Hour Drama · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Literary, Science Fiction, Historical |
| `rel.bond_through_a_go_between` | The Relationship Conducted Through a Third Person | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Story, Audio Drama · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Migration, Crime, Political, Literary |
| `rel.bond_with_the_dead` | The Bond With the Dead | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Short Story, Memoir, Heritage Documentary · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Literary, Heritage, Faith, Testimony |
| `rel.breakup_architecture` | The Architecture of the Breakup Scene | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Short Story · genres: Romance, Drama, Family Drama, Literary, Melodrama, Social Drama |
| `rel.caretaker_and_cared_for` | The Caretaker and the Cared-For | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Memoir, Short Story · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Medical, Literary, Social Drama, Addiction |
| `rel.chosen_family` | Chosen Family | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, feature, serialised fiction · genres: fantasy, sci-fi, crime, YA, comedy, drama |
| `rel.class_divided_pair` | The Pair Separated by Class | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Short Story · genres: Social Drama, Drama, Romance, Literary, Coming of Age, Family Drama |
| `rel.co_parents` | The Pair With a Shared Child | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Series, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Novel, Half-Hour Comedy, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Comedy, Social Drama, Romantic Comedy, Crime |
| `rel.correspondence_bond` | The Correspondence Relationship | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Serialised Fiction, Short Story, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Stage Play · genres: Romance, Drama, Migration, Literary, War, Coming of Age |
| `rel.count_then_tilt` | Count the Room, Then Find the Tilt | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `rel.ensemble_as_system` | The Ensemble as a System | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, ensemble feature, stage play · genres: drama, workplace, crime, sci-fi, literary, satire |
| `rel.ensemble_pilot` | The Ensemble Pilot | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Television Pilot, Series, Novel, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Workplace, Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Ensemble |
| `rel.ensemble_scene_legibility` | Keeping the Group Scene Legible | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, stage play, novel, series · genres: all |
| `rel.everyone_agrees` | The Ensemble Where Everyone Agrees | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.expulsion` | The Group That Expels a Member | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Series, Short Story · genres: Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Faith, War, Thriller |
| `rel.first_meeting` | The First Meeting That Is Not a Meet-Cute | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Series, Short Story, Stage Play, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Romance, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Literary, Crime, Buddy |
| `rel.founding_event` | The Founding Event | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, feature, series, short story · genres: crime, drama, literary, thriller, romance |
| `rel.group_hierarchy_display` | Displaying the Hierarchy | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: stage play, series, feature, novel · genres: political, crime, workplace, war, period drama, satire |
| `rel.group_secret` | The Group with a Shared Secret | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, limited series, feature, stage play · genres: crime, thriller, mystery, literary, horror |
| `rel.group_under_pressure` | The Group Under Pressure | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, limited series, novel, stage play · genres: thriller, horror, war, disaster, drama, satire |
| `rel.instant_reconciliation` | The One-Scene Reconciliation | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.institutional_bond` | The Institutional Relationship | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Workplace, Political, Faith, War, Social Drama, Drama |
| `rel.leader_removed` | The Ensemble That Loses Its Leader | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Series, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Serialised Fiction · genres: Drama, Workplace, Crime, War, Comedy, Family Drama |
| `rel.listener_friend` | The Friend Who Exists to Listen | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.location_bound_bond` | The Relationship That Only Works in One Place | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Story, Stage Play, Audio Drama · genres: Drama, Romance, Coming of Age, Literary, Medical, War |
| `rel.locked_pair` | The Pair Who Cannot Leave | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: stage play, feature, limited series, novel · genres: crime, drama, horror, black comedy, literary |
| `rel.marriage_on_the_page` | The Long Marriage on the Page | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: stage play, novel, feature, short story · genres: drama, literary, comedy, crime |
| `rel.mentor_and_student` | Mentor and Student | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, short story · genres: crime, sport, fantasy, drama, thriller, war |
| `rel.mimetic_jealousy` | Jealousy as a Three-Person Structure | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Short Story, One-Hour Drama · genres: Literary, Tragedy, Drama, Psychological, Family Drama, Workplace |
| `rel.misnamed_relationship` | The Pair Who Are Wrong About What They Are | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Series, Stage Play, Short Story, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Workplace, Drama, Comedy, Literary, Romance, Social Drama |
| `rel.more_than_five` | Writing More Than Five | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, ensemble feature · genres: fantasy, sci-fi, war, crime, drama, workplace comedy |
| `rel.non_human_member` | The Non-Human Member | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Animation Feature, Series, Picture Book, Game Narrative · genres: Family Drama, Science Fiction, Adventure, Kids, Survival, Drama |
| `rel.outsider_in_the_group` | The Outsider in the Group | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, feature, stage play · genres: drama, workplace, school, crime, sci-fi, comedy |
| `rel.pair_matrix` | The Pair Matrix | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, ensemble feature, stage play · genres: all |
| `rel.pair_off_the_room` | Pairing Off the Room | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, stage play · genres: drama, romance, crime, comedy, literary |
| `rel.parasocial_bond` | The Parasocial Bond | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Short Story, Web Series, Stage Play · genres: Drama, Satire, Psychological, Coming of Age, Horror, Social Drama |
| `rel.parent_and_adult_child` | Parent and Adult Child | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, novel, stage play, short story, series · genres: drama, literary, comedy, family saga |
| `rel.professional_pair` | The Professional Pair | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, feature, novel · genres: crime, procedural, medical, war, thriller, workplace comedy |
| `rel.public_face` | The Public Version of the Relationship | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Series, Short Story · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Political, Literary, Satire, Romance |
| `rel.reconciliation_on_new_terms` | The Reconciliation on New Terms | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Series, Stage Play, Memoir · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Crime, Literary, Redemption, Social Drama |
| `rel.register_change` | The Change of Register | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, feature, stage play · genres: drama, workplace, sports, romance, family saga |
| `rel.relationship_arc` | The Relationship Arc | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, serialised novel, feature · genres: drama, romance, crime, fantasy, family saga |
| `rel.relationship_as_protagonist` | The Relationship as Protagonist | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, stage play, limited series, novella, short story · genres: drama, romance, buddy comedy, crime, literary |
| `rel.relationship_want` | What the Relationship Wants | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, series, feature, stage play · genres: drama, romance, family saga, workplace |
| `rel.relationship_with_no_want` | The Relationship With No Want | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.reunion_after_separation` | The Reunion After Long Separation | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story, Memoir · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Migration, Literary, War, Romance |
| `rel.reunion_ensemble` | The Reunion Ensemble | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Short Story, Audio Drama · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Literary, Comedy, Social Drama, Mystery |
| `rel.rivalry_as_friendship` | The Rivalry That Is a Friendship | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, series, novel, stage play · genres: sport, crime, legal, political, literary, comedy |
| `rel.rotating_spotlight` | Rotating the Spotlight | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, serialised novel · genres: drama, crime, fantasy, workplace, sci-fi |
| `rel.rupture_without_aftermath` | The Rupture With No Aftermath | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `rel.shifting_coalition` | The Shifting Coalition | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: stage play, series, novel, feature · genres: political, drama, crime, family saga, satire, sci-fi |
| `rel.sibling_order` | Siblings and Position | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, series, stage play, feature · genres: family saga, drama, literary, comedy, crime |
| `rel.succession_fight` | The Succession Fight | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Series, Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Family Drama, Political, Crime, Historical, Drama, Satire |
| `rel.the_debt` | The Debt Between Them | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: feature, novel, series, stage play · genres: crime, thriller, war, drama, western |
| `rel.third_wheel` | The Third Wheel | [cat-rel-2.md](cat-rel-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Series, Short Story, Stage Play, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Coming of Age, Drama, Comedy, Literary, Romance, Social Drama |
| `rel.triangle` | The Triangle | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: novel, feature, series, stage play · genres: romance, drama, crime, YA, literary |
| `rel.unspoken_agreement` | The Unspoken Agreement | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: stage play, novel, feature, series · genres: drama, literary, romance, family saga, comedy of manners |
| `rel.who_defends_whom` | Who Defends Whom | [cat-rel.md](cat-rel.md) | formats: series, novel, feature, stage play · genres: drama, workplace, crime, comedy, school, war |
| `rights.cleared_before_locked` | Cleared Before It Is Locked | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Heritage / Historical Documentary, Reportage, Commercial / TVC, Brand Film, Museum Installation, Corporate / Training · genres: Documentary, Heritage (civilisation-focused), Historical, Journalism, Educational |
| `rights.found_material_provenance` | Found Material and Its Provenance | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Heritage / Historical Documentary, Reportage, Essay Film, Video Essay, Museum Installation, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok) · genres: Documentary, Heritage (civilisation-focused), Historical, Educational, Journalism |
| `rights.minor_on_screen` | A Child in the Frame | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Kids Content, Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Reportage, Commercial / TVC, Corporate / Training, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok) · genres: Documentary, Educational, Children's, Journalism |
| `rights.object_image` | The Object in the Picture | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Heritage / Historical Documentary, Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Reportage, Museum Installation, Video Essay, Explainer · genres: Heritage (civilisation-focused), Documentary, Historical, Journalism, Educational |
| `rights.reference_image_licence` | The Reference Image and Its Licence | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Heritage / Historical Documentary, AI-Generated Clip, Generated Keyframe Feeding Video, Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok), Museum Installation, Explainer · genres: Heritage (civilisation-focused), Historical / Biopic, Mythology / Ancient Epic, Documentary, Educational |
| `rights.site_permission` | Permission at a Protected Site | [rights-and-permissions.md](rights-and-permissions.md) | formats: Heritage / Historical Documentary, Documentary Feature, Documentary Series, Reportage, Museum Installation, Video Essay, Travel · genres: Heritage (civilisation-focused), Documentary, Educational, Historical |
| `seq.act_rhythm` | Sequence Rhythm Across an Act | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel · genres: all |
| `seq.action_sequence` | The Action Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, comics, game narrative, novel · genres: action, thriller, war, adventure, crime |
| `seq.boundary_test` | Finding the Boundaries | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama · genres: all |
| `seq.breather_sequence` | The Breather Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, game narrative · genres: action, war, horror, thriller, fantasy |
| `seq.chapter_cluster` | The Chapter Cluster | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: novel, novella, memoir, serialised fiction, narrative non-fiction · genres: literary fiction, crime, historical, fantasy, thriller |
| `seq.climaxless_run` | The Climaxless Run | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `seq.cold_open_sequence` | The Cold-Open Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Procedural, Half-Hour Comedy, Series, Web Series, Audio Drama, Documentary Series · genres: Crime, Detective, Medical, Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, Horror, True Crime |
| `seq.comic_run` | The Comic Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Feature Film, Sketch, Animated Series, Novel, Stage Play, Web Series · genres: Comedy, Farce, Romantic Comedy, Satire, Dark Comedy, Workplace, Buddy, Ensemble |
| `seq.convergence_sequence` | The Convergence Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, series · genres: crime, ensemble drama, disaster, thriller, epic fantasy |
| `seq.count_vs_runtime` | Sequence Count Against Running Time | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Short Film, Animated Series, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime, Comedy, Adventure, Kids |
| `seq.crosscut_sequence` | The Crosscut Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, comics · genres: thriller, crime, war, horror, disaster |
| `seq.crushed_sequence` | The Crushed Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `seq.dangling_cause` | The Dangling Cause | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, audio drama · genres: thriller, crime, horror, family drama, comedy |
| `seq.decision_run` | The Decision Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series, Game Narrative · genres: Drama, Social Drama, Medical, Political, Crime, Migration, Tragedy, Courtroom |
| `seq.documentary_sequence` | The Documentary Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Heritage Documentary, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast, Reportage, Essay Film · genres: Journalism, Testimony, True Crime, Historical, Advocacy, Heritage, Science, Political |
| `seq.embedded_past_run` | The Embedded Past Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Audio Drama, Comics · genres: Drama, Crime, War, Literary, Tragedy, Psychological, Historical, Mystery |
| `seq.errand_run` | The Errand Run | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `seq.escape_sequence` | The Escape Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Comics, Audio Drama · genres: Survival, Thriller, War, Action, Horror, Adventure, Crime, Dystopia |
| `seq.false_convergence` | The False Convergence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst at the end of a second act, where the convergence is usually load-bearing, and in ensemble stories, where a false convergence retroactively flattens every thread that fed it) |
| `seq.full_resolution_stop` | The Sequence That Closes the Story | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in the middle of features and in mid-season episodes, and it is the standard reason a second act "restarts" at the sixty-minute mark) |
| `seq.hearing_sequence` | The Hearing Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Documentary · genres: Courtroom, Crime, Drama, Political, Social Drama, Testimony, Migration, Journalism |
| `seq.imagined_sequence` | The Imagined Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Music Video, Short Film · genres: Psychological, Surreal, Arthouse, Horror, Literary, Tragedy, Fantasy, Dark Comedy |
| `seq.infiltration_sequence` | The Infiltration Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Comics, Audio Drama · genres: Heist, Thriller, Crime, War, Adventure, Science Fiction |
| `seq.inflated_sequence` | The Inflated Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `seq.internal_escalation` | Internal Escalation | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, game narrative · genres: thriller, heist, horror, action, crime |
| `seq.investigation_sequence` | The Investigation Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, audio drama · genres: mystery, crime, legal, journalism, espionage |
| `seq.journey_sequence` | The Journey Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, game narrative · genres: western, adventure, war, fantasy, migration |
| `seq.kids_run` | The Kids' Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Animated Series, Preschool, Kids Story, Picture Book, Animation Feature, Kids Song · genres: Kids, Preschool, Comedy, Adventure, Fable, Family Drama |
| `seq.length_variation` | Varying Sequence Length | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, serialised fiction · genres: thriller, horror, literary fiction, war |
| `seq.media_transposition` | Transposing a Sequence Between Media | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Audio Drama, Game Narrative, Comics, Stage Play · genres: Literary, Historical, Crime, Fantasy, Drama, Epic, Biography |
| `seq.mid_run_turn` | The Mid-Run Turn | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series, Serialised Fiction · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Heist, Political, Drama |
| `seq.montage_sequence` | The Montage as a Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, music video, comics · genres: sports, romance, war, biography, comedy |
| `seq.negotiation_sequence` | The Negotiation Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Political, Drama, Workplace, Gangster, Courtroom, Social Drama |
| `seq.orphaned_sequence` | The Orphaned Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in features, where twelve minutes is a tenth of the film, and in adaptations, where an orphan is usually a beloved run from the source that no longer has anything downstream of it) |
| `seq.partial_resolution` | Partial Resolution | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, serialised novel, web serial · genres: thriller, mystery, horror, adventure |
| `seq.payoff_ledger` | The Payoff Ledger | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Audio Drama · genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Detective, Heist, Fantasy, Science Fiction |
| `seq.player_paced_run` | The Player-Paced Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, XR, Immersive, Conversational Agent · genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Dystopia |
| `seq.premature_climax` | The Premature Climax | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst where an act break depends on it: a broadcast act whose climax lands two minutes before the break sends the audience out on a lull, which is the commonest structural fault in television drama — see `seq.tv_act_sequence`) |
| `seq.preparation_sequence` | The Preparation Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, game narrative · genres: heist, war, sports, adventure |
| `seq.repeated_sequence` | The Repeated Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in television, where episode-of-the-week structure hides it across weeks, and in long novels, where four hundred pages of separation makes it invisible to the writer and obvious to the reader) |
| `seq.ritual_sequence` | The Ritual Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Short Film, Heritage Documentary · genres: Family Drama, Drama, Tragedy, Comedy, Heritage, Historical, Romance, Faith, Ensemble |
| `seq.run_entry_context` | Entering a Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Limited Series, Audio Drama, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama, Adventure, Procedural |
| `seq.scene_welding` | Welding Scenes into a Sequence | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, comics · genres: thriller, crime, heist, action, mystery |
| `seq.sequence_climax` | The Sequence Climax | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, audio drama · genres: thriller, crime, war, romance, horror |
| `seq.sequence_handoff` | The Sequence Handoff | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, serialised fiction · genres: all |
| `seq.sequence_map` | Sequence Mapping a Draft | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, series bible · genres: all |
| `seq.sequence_outline` | The Sequence Outline | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Audio Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama, Adventure, Heist |
| `seq.sequence_question` | The Sequence Question | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, serialised fiction · genres: thriller, mystery, heist, courtroom, romance |
| `seq.sequence_spine` | The Sequence Spine | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, stage play · genres: heist, adventure, procedural, thriller |
| `seq.sequence_unit` | The Sequence Unit | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, hour drama, audio drama · genres: thriller, crime, adventure, literary fiction |
| `seq.set_piece` | The Set Piece | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, series, comics, game narrative · genres: action, heist, adventure, comedy, disaster |
| `seq.short_film_model` | Sequence as Short Film | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, limited series, novella · genres: all narrative |
| `seq.shortform_serial` | Sequences in Short-Form Serials | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: vertical micro-drama, reels/shorts, web serial, serialised fiction · genres: romance, revenge, thriller, melodrama |
| `seq.siege_sequence` | The Siege Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Audio Drama, Limited Series, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, War, Thriller, Survival, Disaster, Western, Ensemble, Crime |
| `seq.spanning_tension` | Spanning Tension | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, hour drama, novel, stage play · genres: thriller, war, horror, domestic drama |
| `seq.stalk_sequence` | The Stalk Sequence | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Audio Drama, Game Narrative, Comics · genres: Horror, Thriller, Survival, Psychological, Cosmic Horror, Crime |
| `seq.subplot_interleave` | The Subplot Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Novel, Limited Series, Procedural · genres: Drama, Crime, Romance, Comedy, Medical, Workplace, Family Drama |
| `seq.thematic_run` | The Thematic Run | [cat-seq-2.md](cat-seq-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Heritage Documentary, Short Film · genres: Drama, Social Drama, Tragedy, Literary, Political, Historical, Faith, Migration |
| `seq.tv_act_sequence` | Sequences in Television Acts | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: hour drama, procedural, soap, half-hour comedy, series, Documentary Series, Heritage / Historical Documentary, Feature Documentary · genres: crime, medical, legal, drama, Documentary, Heritage (civilisation-focused), Educational |
| `seq.unifying_frame` | The Unifying Frame | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: feature screenplay, novel, stage play · genres: ensemble, literary fiction, disaster, war, social drama |
| `seq.what_holds_the_run` | What Holds the Run Together | [cat-seq.md](cat-seq.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `sf.ambient_drone_bridge` | The Ambient Drone Bridge | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Meditative Loop Short, Atmospheric Reel · genres: Sacred Space, Ancient Ruins, Drone Ambient |
| `sf.ancestral_geography_bridge` | The Ancestral Geography Bridge | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Ancient vs Modern Map Overlay Short, Lost City Reel · genres: Historical Geography, Cartography, Heritage |
| `sf.anchor_artifact` | The Single Anchor Artifact | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Material Culture Short, Single-Relic Showcase · genres: Archaeology, Museum Artefact, Antique Lore |
| `sf.ancient_phonetic_echo` | The Ancient Phonetic Echo | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Spoken Akkadian / Aramaic Audio Short, Living Voice Reel · genres: Ancient Languages, Historical Linguistics |
| `sf.anticipation_hook` | The Anticipation Hook | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Trailer Teaser, Product Launch Reel · genres: Commercial, Sci-Fi, Film Promotion |
| `sf.artifact_spotlight` | The 45-Second Artifact Spotlight | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: 3D Museum Relic Scan Short, Cuneiform Tablet Reel · genres: Museum Curation, Material Archaeology, Art History |
| `sf.assyria_heritage_reel` | The Assyria Heritage Reel Engine | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Ancient Mesopotamia Reel, Royal Inscription Short · genres: Ancient Near East, Assyrian Heritage, Archaeology |
| `sf.audio_anchor_loop` | The Audio Anchor Loop | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Beat-Matched Loop Short, Ambient Music Loop · genres: Chill Beats, Electronic Music, ASMR |
| `sf.binary_stakes` | Binary Stakes Only | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Life-or-Death Dilemma, Tactical Decision Reel · genres: Military History, Survival, Game Theory |
| `sf.button_punchline` | The Button Punchline | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Serious Micro-Doc, Somber Historic Narration, Tragic / Ironic Micro-Story · genres: Documentary, Philosophy, History, Irony |
| `sf.bystander_perspective` | The Unnamed Bystander Perspective | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Ground-Level History Short, Ordinary Witness Reel · genres: Historical Fiction, Social Drama, War |
| `sf.cadence_staccato` | The Staccato Cadence | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Machine-Gun Fast Voiceover, High-Tempo Explainer · genres: Rap Culture, High-Speed Tech, Fast Facts |
| `sf.causal_ouroboros` | The Causal Ouroboros | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Paradox / Time Loop Short, Circular History Reel · genres: Speculative Sci-Fi, Philosophy, Historic Cycles |
| `sf.cliffhanger_drop` | The Mid-Sentence Cliffhanger | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Episodic Part 1 Reel, Serialized Short · genres: Mystery Serial, War Chronicle, True Crime |
| `sf.cognitive_refresh` | The Cognitive Refresh | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Complex Concept Reel, Philosophy / Math Short · genres: Philosophy, Economics, Science |
| `sf.compressed_timeline` | The Compressed Timeline | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Decade-in-a-Minute Reel, Evolution Short · genres: Civilization Timeline, Biopic, Technology |
| `sf.contrarian_inversion` | The Contrarian Inversion | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Historical Revisionist Reel, Video Essay Hook · genres: History, Science, Philosophy |
| `sf.countdown_ultimatum` | The Countdown Ultimatum | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Time-Bomb Scenario, Heist / Siege Reel · genres: Thriller, Action, Suspense |
| `sf.curiosity_gap_extreme` | The Extreme Curiosity Gap | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Mystery / Archaeology Short, Investigative Reel · genres: Mystery, Archaeology, Lore |
| `sf.deadpan_gravity` | Deadpan Historical Gravity | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Somber Historic Narration, Serious Micro-Doc · genres: War Memorial, Solemn History, Requiem |
| `sf.deliberate_breath_pause` | The Deliberate Breath Pause | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Dead-Silence Dramatic Pause, Emotional Pivot · genres: Character Drama, Tragic Speech, High Cinema |
| `sf.deliberate_flaw` | The Deliberate Flaw (Comment Magnet) | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Comment Section Baited Reel, Debate Magnet · genres: Pop Culture Trivia, Food Debates, History Trivia |
| `sf.destiny_inversion` | Destiny Inversion | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Ironic Twist of Fate, Fall-of-Empires Short · genres: Classical Tragedy, Ancient History, Drama |
| `sf.dopamine_escalator` | The Dopamine Escalator | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Stacking Climax Reel, Viral Reaction Builder · genres: Extreme Sports, Epic History, Tech Reveal |
| `sf.dramatic_irony_reel` | Micro Dramatic Irony | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Heist / Deception Short, Historical Irony Reel · genres: Suspense, Dark Comedy, Historical Fate |
| `sf.echo_question_loop` | The Echo Question Loop | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Unanswered Question Loop, Philosophical Short · genres: Existential Philosophy, Cosmology, Mystery |
| `sf.emotional_anchor_close` | The Emotional Anchor Close | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Intimate Epilogue Short, Micro-Memoir Reel · genres: Melodrama, Personal Essay, Poetic Heritage |
| `sf.every_word_earns` | Every Word Earns Its Place | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: High-Efficiency Scripted Reel, Micro-Doc Voiceover · genres: Biographical, True Crime, Historical |
| `sf.exposition_as_accusation` | Exposition as Accusation | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Legal / Historical Inquest Short, Forensic Reel · genres: Investigative, Historical Tribunal, Drama |
| `sf.fantasy_one_rule` | One Rule of the Invented World | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: 45-Second Micro-Story, Classic 4-Beat Narrative Short, Cinematic Micro-Drama, Tight Narrative Reel · genres: Fantasy, Folk Tale, Parable, Narrative Fiction |
| `sf.first_line_both_ways` | The First Line Works Twice | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Silent Autoplay Feed Short, TikTok / Reels Cold Open · genres: Educational, Documentary, Mystery |
| `sf.forbidden_warning` | The Forbidden Warning | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Secret Archives Reel, Forbidden Lore Short · genres: Occult, Ancient Mystery, Investigative |
| `sf.four_beat_reel` | The 4-Beat Reel Architecture | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Classic 4-Beat Narrative Short, Moral Vignette · genres: Parable, Folk Tale, Screenplay Short |
| `sf.frequency_dip_transition` | The Low-Pass Frequency Dip | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Submerged Muffled Audio Transition, Dream/Flashback · genres: Psychological Drama, Fantasy, Noir |
| `sf.front_load` | Front-Load the Payoff | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Micro-Doc Cold Open, YouTube Shorts Explainer · genres: Historical, True Crime, Investigative |
| `sf.grammatical_loop` | The Grammatical Loop | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Seamless Sentence Loop Short, Infinite Loop Reel · genres: Visual Poetry, Linguistic Trick, Arthouse |
| `sf.hyper_specific_qualifier` | The Hyper-Specific Audience Qualifier | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Diaspora Identity Reel, Linguistic Heritage Short · genres: Linguistics, Cultural Identity |
| `sf.identity_mirror` | The Identity Mirror | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: "This is You" Cultural Reel, Self-Recognition Short · genres: Psychology, Subculture Identity, Humor |
| `sf.immediate_antagonist` | The Instant Opposing Force | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Rivalry / Duel Micro-Short, Conflict Reel · genres: Combat, Political Feud, Sports Rivalry |
| `sf.in_medias_res_restart` | In Medias Res Restart | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Endless Action Loop, Unending Chase Short · genres: Action, Video Game Gameplay, Motion Graphics |
| `sf.infinite_list_wrap` | The Infinite List Wrap | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Recursive List Short, Endless Catalogue Reel · genres: Mythology Pantheon, Rare Words, Historical Rulers |
| `sf.information_density_wave` | Information Density Wave | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Deep-Dive Mini-Doc, Fast-Fact Video Essay · genres: Science, Ancient Technology, History |
| `sf.kids_call_and_response` | The Interactive Kid Call-and-Response | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Kids Interactive Singalong, Pre-School Short · genres: Children / Early Learning, Family Entertainment |
| `sf.kids_rhyme_hook` | The Children's Rhyme Hook | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Animated Kids Song Reel, Nursery Rhyme Short · genres: Children / Animation, Educational Song, Cultural Rhyme |
| `sf.kinetic_text_sync` | Kinetic Text Synchrony | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Beat-Synced Kinetic Typography, Silent Subtitle Reel · genres: Music Promo, Poetry, Commercial Typography |
| `sf.lineage_callout` | The Lineage Callout | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Heritage Ancestry Reel, Clan / Tribe Spotlight · genres: Genealogy, Indigenous Lore, Cultural Roots |
| `sf.living_tradition_continuity` | The Living Tradition Continuity | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Modern Folk Tradition vs Ancient Relief Short · genres: Ethnomusicology, Living Culture, Folk Heritage |
| `sf.material_before_the_hook` | Name the Material Before the Hook | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `sf.micro_callback` | The 20-Second Micro-Callback | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Tight Narrative Reel, 45-Second Micro-Story · genres: Narrative Fiction, Irony, Drama |
| `sf.micro_doc_nineveh` | The 60-Second Nineveh Siege Micro-Doc | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: 60-Second Siege of Nineveh Micro-Doc, War History · genres: Military History, Fall of Empires, Epic Documentary |
| `sf.micro_scenario` | The Micro-Scenario Open | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Immersive Historical Narrative, Cinematic Micro-Drama · genres: Drama, Epic, Ancient History |
| `sf.midroll_rehook` | The Mid-Roll Re-Hook | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: 60-Second Retention Architecture, Mid-Video Turn · genres: Narrative Documentary, Science, Mystery |
| `sf.monumental_scale_contrast` | Monumental Scale Contrast | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Lamassu / Gate of Ishtar Human Scale Reel · genres: Monumental Architecture, Visual Effects, Epic Heritage |
| `sf.myth_vs_shovel` | Myth vs The Shovel | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Archaeological Mythbusting Short, Evidence Reel · genres: Forensic Archaeology, Biblical History, Science |
| `sf.negative_framing` | Negative Framing (Loss Aversion) | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Museum/Culture Guide, High-Retention Reel · genres: Art, Architecture, Cultural Heritage |
| `sf.nostalgia_trigger` | The Childhood Nostalgia Trigger | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Retro Memory Reel, Childhood Ritual Short · genres: Nostalgia, Cultural Memory, Family Folklore |
| `sf.one_point` | One Point, Not Three | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: 30-Second Laser Explainer, Educational Micro-Short · genres: Knowledge, Philosophy, Science |
| `sf.open_loop_ladder` | The Open-Loop Ladder | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Multi-Stage Mystery Reel, Investigative Thread · genres: True Crime, Conspiracy, Archaeology |
| `sf.pacing_rollercoaster` | The Pacing Rollercoaster | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Kinetic Fast-Cut Showcase, Adrenaline Reel · genres: Action, Sports, Cyberpunk, Travel |
| `sf.polarizing_dilemma` | The Polarizing Dilemma | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Ethical Debate Reel, Audience Split Short · genres: Moral Philosophy, Legal Ethics, Politics |
| `sf.progress_bar_psychology` | Progress Bar Psychology | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Multi-Step Countdown Reel, Top 5 Short · genres: Educational, Listicle, Historical Countdown |
| `sf.public_injustice_spark` | The Public Injustice Spark | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Social Justice Reel, Historical Outrage Short · genres: Human Rights, Revolutionary History, Drama |
| `sf.reversal_promise` | The Reversal Promise | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Underdog Story, Comeback Reel · genres: Sports, Biopic, Military Tactics, Comedy |
| `sf.right_to_reply` | The Right to Reply Challenge | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Rebuttal Reel, Myth-Buster Response Short · genres: Historical Fact-Checking, Scientific Rebuttal |
| `sf.righteous_indignation` | The Righteous Indignation Magnet | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Corporate / Historical Corruption Reel · genres: Exposé, Consumer Advocacy, Historical Scandal |
| `sf.save_trigger` | The High-Utility Save Trigger | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Bookmarkable Resource Reel, High-Utility Checklist · genres: Language Learning, Travel Guide, Archival Sources |
| `sf.sensory_details_only` | Sensory Concrete Details Only | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Visceral Sensory Vignette, ASMR / Tactile Short · genres: Culinary Heritage, Ancient Craft, Survival |
| `sf.sensory_reset_point` | The Sensory Reset Point | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Dynamic Sound/Visual Reset, Mid-Reel Pause · genres: Cinematic Poetry, Ambient Documentary |
| `sf.sensory_shock` | The Sensory Shock Hook | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Battle / Action Reel Cold Open, High-Impact Teaser · genres: Action, Historical Epic, Horror |
| `sf.share_as_weapon` | The Share-as-Proof Weapon | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Group Chat Argument Winner, Proof-Drop Short · genres: Political Rhetoric, Cultural Pride, Science Facts |
| `sf.silent_text_assault` | The Silent Text Assault | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Autoplay Feed Video, Text-Over-Video Reel · genres: Noir, Psychological Drama, Minimalist |
| `sf.specific_comment_cta` | The Non-Generic Comment CTA | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Community Storytelling Reel, Dialogue Prompt · genres: Oral History, Community Culture, Discussion |
| `sf.speech_rate_acceleration` | Speech Rate Acceleration | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Accelerating Panic Monologue, Climax Reel · genres: Suspense Thriller, Emergency Log, Horror |
| `sf.stakes_first` | The Stakes-First Announcement | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Crisis Countdown Reel, High-Stakes Micro-Doc · genres: War, Political Thriller, Catastrophe |
| `sf.stealth_micro_quiz` | The Stealth Micro-Quiz | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Interactive Trivia Reel, Pause-to-Guess Short · genres: Ancient Trivia, Visual Puzzles, Art History |
| `sf.sub_second_cut` | The Sub-Second Cut Test | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: High-Velocity Montage, Fashion / Trailer Teaser · genres: Fashion, Action, Commercial Promo |
| `sf.taboo_unspoken` | The Taboo or Unspoken Reality | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Untold History Short, Social Commentary Reel · genres: Historical Exposé, Dark Drama |
| `sf.unexpected_pivot` | The Unexpected Pivot | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Genre-Bending Short, Plot Twist Reel · genres: Dark Comedy, Psychological Thriller, Satire |
| `sf.unresolved_argument` | The Unresolved Argument (In Medias Res) | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: In Medias Res Short, Dramatic Dialogue Clip · genres: Drama, Political Debate, Courtroom |
| `sf.unsettled_debate` | The Unsettled Academic Debate | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Academic Controversy Reel, Opposing Theories Short · genres: Archaeology, Assyriology, Physics |
| `sf.value_turn_singular` | The Single Value Turn | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Tragic / Ironic Micro-Story, High-Drama Reel · genres: Tragedy, Character Study, Irony |
| `sf.visual_disruption_interval` | The Visual Disruption Interval | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Glitch / Pattern Interrupt Short, Attention-Reset Reel · genres: Cyberpunk, Tech Horror, High-Energy Ads |
| `sf.visual_paradox_hook` | The Visual Paradox Open | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Urban Archaeology Short, Geography Reel · genres: Heritage, Travel, Documentary |
| `sf.visual_reset_vector` | The Visual Reset Vector | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Seamless Camera Match Loop, 360 Turnaround · genres: 3D Animation, Product Design, Architecture |
| `sf.whip_pan_reset` | The Whip-Pan Reset | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Fast Whip-Pan Camera Loop, Kinetic Reel · genres: Travel Vlog, Street Photography, Action Sports |
| `sf.whisper_to_boom` | Whisper-to-Boom Dynamics | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Extreme Dynamic Range Audio Reel, ASMR-to-Trailer · genres: Horror, ASMR, Dramatic True Crime |
| `sf.withheld_visual` | The Withheld Visual Asset | [short-form-craft.md](short-form-craft.md) | formats: Big Reveal Reel, Climax-Driven Short · genres: Art Discovery, Engineering Marvels, Mystery |
| `sit.booker_comedy` | Comedy | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_overcoming_the_monster` | Overcoming the Monster | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_rags_to_riches` | Rags to Riches | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_rebirth` | Rebirth | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_the_quest` | The Quest | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_tragedy` | Tragedy | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.booker_voyage_and_return` | Voyage and Return | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.dramatic.plots_of_the_body` | Plots of the body | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.dramatic.plots_of_the_mind` | Plots of the mind | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_01_supplication` | 1. Supplication | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_02_deliverance` | 2. Deliverance | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_03_crime_pursued_by_vengeance` | 3. Crime Pursued by Vengeance | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_04_vengeance_kin_upon_kin` | 4. Vengeance Taken for Kin Upon Kin | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_05_pursuit` | 5. Pursuit | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_06_disaster` | 6. Disaster | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_07_falling_prey_to_cruelty` | 7. Falling Prey to Cruelty or Misfortune | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_08_revolt` | 8. Revolt | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_09_daring_enterprise` | 9. Daring Enterprise | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_10_abduction` | 10. Abduction | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_11_the_enigma` | 11. The Enigma | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_12_obtaining` | 12. Obtaining | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_13_enmity_of_kin` | 13. Enmity of Kin | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_14_rivalry_of_kin` | 14. Rivalry of Kin | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_15_murderous_adultery` | 15. Murderous Adultery | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_16_madness` | 16. Madness | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_17_fatal_imprudence` | 17. Fatal Imprudence | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_18_involuntary_crimes_of_love` | 18. Involuntary Crimes of Love | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_19_slaying_of_kin_unrecognized` | 19. Slaying of Kin Unrecognized | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_20_self_sacrifice_for_ideal` | 20. Self-Sacrifice for an Ideal | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_21_self_sacrifice_for_kin` | 21. Self-Sacrifice for Kin | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_22_all_sacrificed_for_passion` | 22. All Sacrificed for Passion | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_23_necessity_of_sacrificing_loved_ones` | 23. Necessity of Sacrificing Loved Ones | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_24_rivalry_superior_inferior` | 24. Rivalry of Superior versus Inferior | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_25_adultery` | 25. Adultery | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_26_crimes_of_love` | 26. Crimes of Love | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_27_discovery_of_dishonour` | 27. Discovery of the Dishonour of a Loved One | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_28_obstacles_to_love` | 28. Obstacles to Love | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_29_an_enemy_loved` | 29. An Enemy Loved | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_30_ambition` | 30. Ambition | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_31_conflict_with_a_god` | 31. Conflict with a God | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_32_mistaken_jealousy` | 32. Mistaken Jealousy | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_33_erroneous_judgment` | 33. Erroneous Judgment | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_34_remorse` | 34. Remorse | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_35_recovery_of_a_lost_one` | 35. Recovery of a Lost One | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.polti_36_loss_of_loved_ones` | 36. Loss of Loved Ones | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_01_absentation` | 1. Absentation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_02_interdiction` | 2. Interdiction | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_03_violation` | 3. Violation of Interdiction | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_04_reconnaissance` | 4. Reconnaissance | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_05_delivery` | 5. Delivery | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_06_trickery` | 6. Trickery | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_07_complicity` | 7. Complicity | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_08_villainy_or_lacking` | 8. Villainy or Lacking | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_09_mediation` | 9. Mediation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_10_beginning_counteraction` | 10. Beginning Counteraction | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_11_departure` | 11. Departure | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_12_donor_test` | 12. First Function of the Donor | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_13_heros_reaction` | 13. Hero's Reaction | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_14_magical_agent` | 14. Receipt of a Magical Agent | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_15_guidance` | 15. Guidance | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_16_struggle` | 16. Struggle | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_17_branding` | 17. Branding | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_18_victory` | 18. Victory | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_19_liquidation` | 19. Liquidation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_20_return` | 20. Return | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_21_pursuit` | 21. Pursuit | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_22_rescue` | 22. Rescue | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_23_unrecognized_arrival` | 23. Unrecognized Arrival | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_24_unfounded_claims` | 24. Unfounded Claims | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_25_difficult_task` | 25. Difficult Task | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_26_solution` | 26. Solution | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_27_recognition` | 27. Recognition | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_28_exposure` | 28. Exposure | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_29_transfiguration` | 29. Transfiguration | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_30_punishment` | 30. Punishment | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_31_wedding` | 31. Wedding | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.propp_roles` | The seven roles | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.situation_before_shape` | Name the Situation Before the Shape | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_adventure` | Adventure | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_ascension` | Ascension | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_descension` | Descension | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_discovery` | Discovery | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_escape` | Escape | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_forbidden_love` | Forbidden Love | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_love` | Love | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_maturation` | Maturation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_metamorphosis` | Metamorphosis | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_pursuit` | Pursuit | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_quest` | Quest | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_rescue` | Rescue | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_revenge` | Revenge | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_riddle` | The Riddle | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_rivalry` | Rivalry | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_sacrifice` | Sacrifice | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_temptation` | Temptation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_transformation` | Transformation | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_underdog` | Underdog | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `sit.tobias_wretched_excess` | Wretched Excess | [situations.md](situations.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_change` | Change | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_find` | Find | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_go` | Go | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_need` | Need | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_return` | Return | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_search` | Search | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_take` | Take | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.circle_you` | You | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.flash_fiction` | Flash Fiction | [cat-struct-2.md](cat-struct-2.md) | formats: Flash Fiction, Short Story, Carousel, Poetry, Serialised Fiction · genres: Literary, Slice of Life, Surreal, Horror, Fantasy |
| `struct.four_act` | Four-Act Structure | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Feature Film, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama (at series level) · genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime, Procedural, Melodrama, Coming of Age |
| `struct.four_act_midpoint` | Midpoint | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.four_act_one` | Act One — Setup | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.four_act_three` | Act Three — Resolution | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.four_act_two_a` | Act Two-A — Reaction | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.four_act_two_b` | Act Two-B — Action | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.freytag` | Freytag's Pyramid | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, Heritage Documentary, Opera/Libretto · genres: Tragedy, Historical, Heritage, Melodrama, Literary |
| `struct.freytag_catastrophe` | Catastrophe / Dénouement | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.freytag_climax` | Climax | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.freytag_exposition` | Exposition | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.freytag_falling` | Falling Action | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.freytag_rising` | Rising Action | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.heros_journey` | The Hero's Journey | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, Game Narrative, Heritage Documentary, Series · genres: Myth, Fantasy/Epic, Adventure, Science Fiction, Coming of Age, Heritage, Historical |
| `struct.hj_approach` | Approach to the Inmost Cave | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_call` | Call to Adventure | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_elixir` | Return with the Elixir | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_mentor` | Meeting the Mentor | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_ordeal` | The Ordeal | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_ordinary_world` | Ordinary World | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_refusal` | Refusal of the Call | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_resurrection` | Resurrection | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_reward` | Reward (Seizing the Sword) | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_road_back` | The Road Back | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_tests_allies_enemies` | Tests, Allies and Enemies | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.hj_threshold` | Crossing the First Threshold | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.kishoten_ketsu` | Ketsu — Reconciliation | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.kishoten_ki` | Ki — Introduction | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.kishoten_sho` | Shō — Development | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.kishoten_ten` | Ten — Turn | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.kishotenketsu` | Kishōtenketsu | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Anime, Comics, Short Animation, Picture Book, Flash Fiction, TVC, Music Video, Essay Film, Reels/Shorts, Poetry · genres: Slice of Life, Family, Heritage, Comedy, Surreal, Nature, Preschool, Literary |
| `struct.linked_collection` | The Linked Collection | [cat-struct-2.md](cat-struct-2.md) | formats: Short Story, Flash Fiction, Novel, Novella, Memoir · genres: Literary, Family Drama, Migration, Heritage, Coming of Age |
| `struct.mckee_act` | Act | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.mckee_beat` | Beat | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.mckee_controlling_idea` | Controlling idea | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.mckee_hierarchy` | McKee's Story Hierarchy | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `struct.mckee_scene` | Scene | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.mckee_sequence` | Sequence | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.mckee_story_climax` | Story climax | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.save_the_cat` | Save the Cat Beat Sheet | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel (via Brody), TV Pilot · genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Coming of Age, Superhero, Family, Thriller |
| `struct.seq_a` | Sequence A — Status quo and inciting incident | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_b` | Sequence B — Predicament and lock-in | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_c` | Sequence C — First obstacle, raised stakes | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_d` | Sequence D — First culmination and midpoint | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_e` | Sequence E — Subplot and rising action | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_f` | Sequence F — Main culmination, end of Act Two | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_g` | Sequence G — New tension and highest point | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.seq_h` | Sequence H — Resolution and false ending | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.sequence_approach` | The Sequence Approach | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Game Narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `struct.spine_because` | Because of that (×3) | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.spine_ever_since` | And ever since that day | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.spine_every_day` | Every day | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.spine_once` | Once upon a time | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.spine_one_day` | One day | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.spine_until_finally` | Until finally | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_all_is_lost` | All Is Lost | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_b_story` | B Story | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_bad_guys_close_in` | Bad Guys Close In | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_break_three` | Break into Three | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_break_two` | Break into Two | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_catalyst` | Catalyst | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_dark_night` | Dark Night of the Soul | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_debate` | Debate | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_final_image` | Final Image | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_finale` | Finale | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_fun_and_games` | Fun and Games | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_midpoint` | Midpoint | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_opening_image` | Opening Image | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_setup` | Set-Up | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.stc_theme_stated` | Theme Stated | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.story_circle` | The Story Circle | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Half-Hour Comedy, Web Series, Vertical Micro-Drama, Short Film, Animation Series, Reels/Shorts · genres: Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction, Adventure, Coming of Age, Satire |
| `struct.story_spine` | The Story Spine | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Animation Feature, Short Animation, Kids Story, Picture Book, Brand Film, Explainer, Pitch Document, Reels/Shorts · genres: Family, Adventure, Comedy, Preschool, Fable, Heritage |
| `struct.system_before_beats` | Pick the System, Then Take Its Beats | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `struct.three_act` | The Three-Act Paradigm | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Feature Film, TV Pilot, Short Film, Corporate, Explainer · genres: all |
| `struct.three_act_confrontation` | Confrontation | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_inciting` | Inciting Incident | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_midpoint` | Midpoint | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_pp1` | Plot Point One | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_pp2` | Plot Point Two | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_resolution` | Resolution | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.three_act_setup` | Setup | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_01_end_first` | Self-revelation, need and desire | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_02_ghost` | Ghost and story world | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_03_weakness` | Weakness and need | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_04_inciting` | Inciting event | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_05_desire` | Desire | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_06_ally` | Ally or allies | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_07_opponent` | Opponent and/or mystery | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_08_fake_ally` | Fake-ally opponent | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_09_first_revelation` | First revelation and decision | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_10_plan` | Plan | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_11_opponent_plan` | Opponent's plan and main counterattack | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_12_drive` | Drive | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_13_attack_by_ally` | Attack by ally | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_14_apparent_defeat` | Apparent defeat | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_15_second_revelation` | Second revelation and decision | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_16_audience_revelation` | Audience revelation | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_17_third_revelation` | Third revelation and decision | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_18_gate_gauntlet` | Gate, gauntlet, visit to death | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_19_battle` | Battle | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_20_self_revelation` | Self-revelation | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_21_moral_decision` | Moral decision | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.truby_22` | The 22 Building Blocks | [structures.md](structures.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Crime, Tragedy, Psychological, Historical, Social Drama, Literary |
| `struct.truby_22_new_equilibrium` | New equilibrium | [structures.md](structures.md) |  |
| `struct.unity_of_effect` | Unity of Effect | [cat-struct-2.md](cat-struct-2.md) | formats: Short Story, Short Film, Poetry, Monologue, Reels/Shorts, Advertising · genres: Horror, Cosmic Horror, Literary, Tragedy, Surreal, Mystery |
| `tens.adaptive_threat` | The Threat That Adapts | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Game Narrative, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama · genres: Thriller, Horror, Crime, Science Fiction, Psychological, War |
| `tens.aftermath_not_act` | The Aftermath Instead of the Act | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Film, Stage Play, Documentary · genres: Crime, War, Horror, Drama, Tragedy, Noir, Social Drama |
| `tens.almost_right_place` | The Place That Is Almost Right | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Short Story, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Surreal, Mystery, Science Fiction, Literary |
| `tens.announced_deadline_dropped` | The Deadline Announced and Then Dropped | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most frequent in television, where a clock set in the pilot outlives the room that set it, and in features after a mid-process restructure moves the act break) |
| `tens.anticipation_vs_anxiety` | Anticipation Versus Anxiety | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Drama, Social Drama, Psychological, Tragedy, Thriller |
| `tens.asserted_tension` | Tension Asserted, Not Built | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `tens.audio_no_offscreen` | Audio Has No Offscreen | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Podcast, Audio Drama, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction |
| `tens.being_watched` | The Possibility of Being Watched | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Audio Drama · genres: Political, Psychological, Dystopia, Social Drama, Thriller, Crime |
| `tens.bomb_under_table` | The Bomb Under the Table | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Thriller, Crime, War, Noir, Horror |
| `tens.chase_turn` | The Chase That Changes Its Question | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Survival, War, Drama, Tragedy |
| `tens.closing_pursuit` | The Pursuit That Closes | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Animation Feature · genres: Thriller, Crime, Survival, War, Noir, Science Fiction |
| `tens.closing_space` | The Closing Space | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Game Narrative, Novel, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Horror, Survival, Thriller, War, Psychological, Crime |
| `tens.comic_relief_as_tension` | Comic Relief as a Tension Tool | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Novel, Animation Feature, One-Hour Drama · genres: Horror, Thriller, Tragedy, Crime, War, Drama |
| `tens.corrupting_the_mundane` | Corrupting the Mundane | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Short Film, Feature Film, Novel, Reels/Shorts, Vertical Micro-Drama, Podcast · genres: Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Drama, Mystery |
| `tens.cost_of_waiting` | The Rising Price of Waiting | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Novel, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Documentary · genres: Medical, Crime, Social Drama, Drama, Addiction, Workplace |
| `tens.costly_obstacle` | The Obstacle That Costs Something | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Animation Feature · genres: Survival, Thriller, War, Horror, Science Fiction, Crime |
| `tens.countdown` | The Countdown | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Vertical Micro-Drama, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Short Film · genres: Thriller, Crime, Survival, War, Science Fiction, Noir |
| `tens.credibility_economy` | The Credibility Economy | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Documentary · genres: Social Drama, Psychological, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Family Drama |
| `tens.crowd_as_cover` | Hiding in the Open | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, War, Crime, Migration, Historical, Noir |
| `tens.delay_by_digression` | Delay by Digression | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Noir, Thriller, Drama, War, Psychological |
| `tens.diluted_stakes` | Everyone in Danger, Nobody at Risk | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Disaster, Superhero and late-act Science Fiction, where the third act widens the threat by convention and loses the film doing it) |
| `tens.disgust_not_fear` | Disgust Standing In for Fear | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `tens.dread_no_consequence` | Dread With No Consequence | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `tens.dread_over_shock` | Dread Over Shock | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Podcast · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Crime, Tragedy |
| `tens.dream_logic_cost` | The Dream Logic Discount | [cat-tens-5.md](cat-tens-5.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, Short Story · genres: Horror, Psychological, Surreal, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Arthouse |
| `tens.earned_surprise` | Surprise Paid For In Advance | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Short Film · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Noir, Psychological, Tragedy |
| `tens.embodied_vs_formless` | Body or No Body | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, Documentary, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Social Drama, Science Fiction, Survival, Psychological, Tragedy |
| `tens.ensemble_jeopardy` | Tension Across a Group | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Game Narrative · genres: Survival, War, Thriller, Horror, Disaster, Ensemble |
| `tens.escalating_humiliation` | Escalating Humiliation | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Novel, Short Film · genres: Social Drama, Drama, Psychological, Tragedy, Crime, War |
| `tens.escalating_lie` | The Escalating Lie | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama, One-Hour Drama · genres: Social Drama, Crime, Drama, Family Drama, Noir, Psychological |
| `tens.exhausting_draft` | The Exhausting Draft | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Novel, Limited Series and Survival, and in misery-adjacent social drama, where the subject makes the writer reluctant to grant the reader anything at all) |
| `tens.false_scare_cost` | The False Scare and Its Cost | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Reels/Shorts · genres: Horror, Thriller, Survival, Psychological |
| `tens.false_victory` | The False Victory | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Survival, Social Drama, Tragedy, War |
| `tens.farce_pressure` | Farce Pressure | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Social Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Psychological |
| `tens.first_five_seconds` | Tension in the First Five Seconds | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Short Film, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series · genres: Thriller, Crime, Social Drama, Family Drama, Horror, Drama |
| `tens.hiding_beat` | The Concealment Beat | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, Game Narrative, Stage Play, Limited Series · genres: Thriller, Horror, War, Crime, Survival, Psychological |
| `tens.honest_explicitness` | When Explicitness Is the Honest Choice | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Documentary, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play · genres: War, Social Drama, Drama, Tragedy, Crime, Psychological |
| `tens.human_deadline` | The Person Who Will Ask Again | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Novel, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Feature Film, Limited Series, Soap · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Workplace, Addiction, Migration, Drama |
| `tens.implication_over_depiction` | Implication Over Depiction | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Stage Play, Podcast, Audio Drama, Short Film · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Crime, War, Tragedy |
| `tens.indifferent_force` | The Indifferent Force | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Short Story, Documentary, Game Narrative, Podcast · genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Survival, Social Drama, Psychological, Tragedy |
| `tens.inferred_threat` | The Threat You Only Ever Infer | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Feature Film, Audio Drama, Podcast, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Cosmic Horror, War, Mystery, Literary |
| `tens.instruction_under_stress` | The Instruction Read Under Stress | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: PSA, UX Writing, Corporate, Explainer, Voiceover Script, Educational · genres: Medical, Educational, Advocacy, Journalism, Disaster, Survival |
| `tens.interactive_tension` | Tension Under Player Control | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Horror, Survival, Thriller, Science Fiction, Psychological, Mystery |
| `tens.interruption_clock` | The Interruption Clock | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Vertical Micro-Drama, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Family Drama, Social Drama, Noir |
| `tens.isolation_by_doubt` | Isolation by Doubt | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play · genres: Psychological, Social Drama, Thriller, Drama, Family Drama, Crime |
| `tens.kids_bounded_threat` | Jeopardy a Child Can Hold | [cat-tens-5.md](cat-tens-5.md) | formats: Animated Series, Preschool, Picture Book, Kids Story, Animation Feature, Middle Grade · genres: Kids, Preschool, Adventure, Family Drama, Fable, Fantasy |
| `tens.known_outcome_documentary` | Tension Against a Known Outcome | [cat-tens-5.md](cat-tens-5.md) | formats: Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Documentary Series, Essay Film, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast · genres: Heritage, Historical, Documentary, Testimony, War, Tragedy |
| `tens.known_outcome_dread` | Dread of the Known Outcome | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, Documentary, One-Hour Drama · genres: Tragedy, Crime, War, Drama, Noir, Social Drama |
| `tens.laugh_raises_ceiling` | The Laugh That Raises the Ceiling | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, War, Social Drama, Tragedy, Noir, Drama |
| `tens.micro_form_tension` | Tension Under Thirty Seconds | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Reels/Shorts, Trailer, Advertising, Short Film, Web Series · genres: Thriller, Drama, Horror, Crime, Romance, Comedy |
| `tens.near_miss_economy` | The Near-Miss Economy | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Short Film · genres: Thriller, Horror, Crime, Survival, War, Noir |
| `tens.negotiable_threat` | The Threat You Can Negotiate With | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama · genres: Crime, Noir, Thriller, War, Social Drama, Drama |
| `tens.page_turn` | The Page Turn as the Cut | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Comics, Picture Book, Middle Grade, Kids Story, Carousel · genres: Horror, Crime, Superhero, Mystery, Thriller, Kids |
| `tens.picturable_consequence` | The Consequence the Audience Can Picture | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Limited Series, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Social Drama, Survival, Family Drama |
| `tens.polite_threat` | The Polite Threat | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Novel, Limited Series · genres: Crime, Noir, Thriller, Psychological, Social Drama, Drama |
| `tens.post_climax_hold` | Holding After the Climax | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Animation Feature · genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime, Tragedy, Family Drama, War |
| `tens.premature_laugh` | The Joke That Releases Too Early | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `tens.pressure_before_device` | Name the Pressure Before the Device | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `tens.promise_of_violence` | The Promise of Violence | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, War, Noir, Horror, Survival |
| `tens.prose_no_soundtrack` | Prose Has No Soundtrack | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Podcast, Audio Drama · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Crime, Mystery, Survival |
| `tens.pursuit_that_pauses` | The Pursuit That Pauses | [cat-tens-5.md](cat-tens-5.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Short Film, Stage Play · genres: Thriller, Horror, Crime, Survival, War, Noir |
| `tens.reader_owns_the_clock` | Who Owns the Clock | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Short Story, Serialised Fiction, Memoir, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Thriller, Horror, Crime, Mystery, Psychological, Literary |
| `tens.real_condition_dread` | Dread About a Real Condition | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Documentary, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Social Drama, Drama, Family Drama, Psychological, Tragedy, Survival |
| `tens.refusing_to_name` | Refusing to Name It | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Podcast, Audio Drama, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Science Fiction, Mystery, Tragedy |
| `tens.release_valve` | The Release Valve | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Thriller, Survival, Drama, War, Crime |
| `tens.repeating_sound` | The Sound That Repeats | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Podcast, Game Narrative, Feature Film, Short Film, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Mystery, War |
| `tens.reveal_clock` | The Reveal Clock | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, Podcast · genres: Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction, Survival, Mystery, Psychological |
| `tens.ritual_that_must_continue` | The Ceremony Nobody Can Stop | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Limited Series, Short Film, Heritage Documentary · genres: Horror, Faith, Heritage, Family Drama, Tragedy, Historical |
| `tens.room_tone_silence` | Room Tone Is the Only Silence | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Audio Drama, Podcast, Audiobook, Voiceover Script, Animation Feature, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction |
| `tens.rule_demonstration` | The Rule Demonstration | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Game Narrative, Limited Series, Novel, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Survival, Thriller, Crime |
| `tens.safe_space_violation` | The Safe Space Violation | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, Crime, Psychological, Survival, Family Drama |
| `tens.scale_dread` | Scale as the Threat | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Documentary, Game Narrative, Animation Feature, Short Story · genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Psychological, Survival, Drama |
| `tens.season_long_pressure` | Sustaining Across a Season | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Podcast, Audio Drama, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Social Drama, Horror, Family Drama |
| `tens.self_censorship` | The Sentence Not Written | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Stage Play, One-Hour Drama, Documentary · genres: Political, Social Drama, Migration, Journalism, Dystopia, Faith |
| `tens.shrinking_options` | The Shrinking Option Set | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Thriller, Noir, Survival, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `tens.smell_before_sight` | Smell Before Sight | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Novel, Podcast, Short Film, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Horror, Psychological, Mystery, Crime, Drama |
| `tens.social_containment` | The Room You Cannot Leave | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Short Film, Half-Hour Comedy · genres: Family Drama, Social Drama, Comedy, Drama, Psychological, Workplace |
| `tens.social_dread` | Social Dread | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Novel, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Social Drama, Family Drama, Drama, Psychological, Tragedy, Crime |
| `tens.soft_deadline` | The Soft Deadline | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Drama, Family Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Romance, Noir |
| `tens.sound_not_sight` | The Sound Instead of the Sight | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Stage Play, Podcast, Audio Drama, Limited Series · genres: Horror, Thriller, Crime, War, Psychological, Drama |
| `tens.sound_you_must_not_make` | The Sound That Must Not Be Made | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, Audio Drama, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, War, Survival, Crime, Psychological |
| `tens.specific_threat` | Making a Threat Specific | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Horror, Crime, Survival, War, Social Drama |
| `tens.stage_blackout` | Tension in the Blackout | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Limited Series, Podcast · genres: Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Drama, Tragedy, Crime |
| `tens.subtitle_preempt` | The Subtitle That Arrives Before the Line | [cat-tens-5.md](cat-tens-5.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Feature Film, Reels/Shorts, Voiceover Script, Limited Series · genres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller, Heritage, Historical, Crime |
| `tens.suspect_ally` | The Ally Who Might Not Be | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play, Game Narrative, One-Hour Drama · genres: War, Thriller, Crime, Survival, Psychological, Science Fiction, Noir |
| `tens.suspended_ending` | The Suspended Ending | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Vertical Micro-Drama, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Podcast, Novel, Reels/Shorts · genres: Thriller, Crime, Social Drama, Family Drama, Mystery, Horror |
| `tens.sustained_low_dread` | Sustained Low Dread | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Limited Series, Novel, Feature Film, Game Narrative, Podcast, One-Hour Drama · genres: Horror, Psychological, Mystery, Drama, Science Fiction, Crime |
| `tens.tension_map` | The Tension Map | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Horror, Drama, Crime, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `tens.tension_without_villain` | Tension Without a Villain | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Documentary, Limited Series, Novel, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Social Drama, Drama, Survival, War, Tragedy, Family Drama |
| `tens.terrain_pressure` | Terrain as Pressure | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Documentary, Game Narrative, Short Film, Limited Series · genres: Survival, Thriller, War, Horror, Drama, Science Fiction |
| `tens.the_interval` | The Interval | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: Stage Play, Musical Theatre, Opera, Immersive, Live Event · genres: Drama, Tragedy, Thriller, Family Drama, Historical, Comedy |
| `tens.thing_behind_character` | The Thing Behind the Character | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Short Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Thriller, Psychological, Mystery, Survival |
| `tens.threat_never_acts` | The Threat That Never Acts | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `tens.threat_scaling` | Scaling a Threat Across a Work | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Limited Series, Feature Film, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Game Narrative · genres: Horror, Thriller, Crime, Science Fiction, War, Mystery |
| `tens.threat_shown_too_early` | The Threat Shown Too Early | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Horror, Thriller and creature-led Science Fiction, and in trailers, which routinely spend a film's entire reveal budget in ninety seconds and hand the finished film an audience with nothing left to discover) |
| `tens.threat_with_rules` | The Threat That Obeys Rules | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Novel, Animation Feature · genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Survival, Psychological, Mystery |
| `tens.total_surveillance` | The Watcher Who Sees Everything | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Thriller, Dystopia and Science Fiction, and in contemporary crime, where a writer who never specifies the system's limits silently inherits whatever the audience believes the real one can do) |
| `tens.trough_placement` | Trough Placement | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, One-Hour Drama, Animation Feature, Game Narrative · genres: Thriller, Horror, Survival, War, Drama, Crime |
| `tens.unearned_reprieve` | The Unearned Reprieve | [cat-tens-4.md](cat-tens-4.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most damaging in Thriller, Horror and Survival, and in serialised work, where an escape written to hit an episode end is repaid by the whole season) |
| `tens.unreliable_body` | The Unreliable Body | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Short Film · genres: Psychological, Horror, Drama, Science Fiction, Survival, Tragedy |
| `tens.untrustworthy_environment` | The Environment That Lies | [cat-tens-2.md](cat-tens-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Limited Series, Podcast · genres: Horror, Psychological, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller |
| `tens.waiting_as_weapon` | Waiting as a Weapon | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, Limited Series, Novel, Podcast, Game Narrative · genres: Psychological, Horror, Drama, Thriller, Tragedy, Noir |
| `tens.warning_fatigue` | Warning Fatigue | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: — · genres: — (worst in product, medical and platform writing, where every team adds its own caution and nobody owns the total; and in horror serials, where a threat is re-promised weekly and never spends) |
| `tens.warning_notice` | The Warning Notice | [cat-tens-3.md](cat-tens-3.md) | formats: UX Writing, PSA, Product Video, Corporate, Explainer, Educational · genres: Medical, Educational, Advocacy, Workplace, Science, Journalism |
| `tens.wrongness_detail` | The Wrongness Detail | [cat-tens.md](cat-tens.md) | formats: Novel, Short Film, Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Podcast · genres: Horror, Psychological, Mystery, Science Fiction, Drama |
| `theme.adaptation_claim` | Find the Source's Claim First | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Audio Drama, Comics, Musical Theatre · genres: Drama, Literary, Historical, Heritage, Crime, Fantasy, Biography |
| `theme.adaptation_shift` | The Deliberate Thematic Shift | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Animation Feature, Novel, Musical Theatre · genres: Historical, Heritage, Myth, Literary, Drama, Fable, Social Drama |
| `theme.allegory_build` | Building an Allegory | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Animation Feature, Short Story, Stage Play, Comics, Picture Book · genres: Fable, Myth, Satire, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Political, Dystopia, Heritage |
| `theme.anti_theme` | The Anti-Theme | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Social Drama, Political, Drama, Crime, War, Historical, Literary, Faith, Science Fiction |
| `theme.applied_only_to_others` | Theme Applied Only to Others | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.arc_carries_claim` | The Arc Is the Verdict | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.argument_scene` | The Thematic Argument Scene | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Stage Play, Feature Film, One-Hour Drama, Novel, Podcast · genres: Political, Social Drama, Legal, Drama, War, Faith, Science Fiction |
| `theme.choice_as_argument` | The Player's Choice as the Argument | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Visual Novel, Immersive, XR, Conversational Agent · genres: Drama, Survival, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Crime, War, Psychological, Social Drama |
| `theme.claim_before_carrier` | Name the Claim Before the Carrier | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: all · genres: all |
| `theme.comic_premise_argument` | Theme in Comedy: the Premise Is the Argument | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Half-Hour Comedy, Feature Film, Sketch, Animated Series, Web Series, Stage Play · genres: Comedy, Satire, Farce, Workplace, Dark Comedy, Political |
| `theme.competing_themes` | Multiple Competing Themes | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.contradicting_material` | Keeping the Material That Contradicts You | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Heritage Documentary, Reportage, Essay Film, Podcast, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Journalism, Advocacy, Heritage, Historical, Science, Political, Testimony |
| `theme.controlling_idea` | The Controlling Idea | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.counter_example_character` | The Counter-Example Character | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Stage Play, Game Narrative · genres: Crime, Social Drama, War, Political, Tragedy, Drama, Redemption, Addiction |
| `theme.culture_as_lesson` | The Culture as Lesson | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most common in heritage drama, travel documentary, brand films about craftspeople, and kids' animation set in a culture the studio is not from) |
| `theme.decided_before_story` | Theme Decided Before the Story | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — (legitimate in Advocacy, PSA and Campaign work) |
| `theme.descriptive_not_prescriptive` | Descriptive, Not Prescriptive | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.earned_ambiguity` | Earned Ambiguity | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Short Film, Limited Series, Stage Play, Essay Film · genres: Literary, Psychological, Arthouse, Mystery, Drama, Cosmic Horror, Social Drama |
| `theme.explained_theme` | The Explained Theme | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — (legitimate only in Preschool, Educational, Explainer, PSA and Instructional) |
| `theme.fable_contract` | The Fable Contract | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Picture Book, Kids Story, Short Story, Animation Feature, Animated Series, Stage Play, Podcast · genres: Fable, Myth, Kids, Heritage, Family Drama, Comedy, Faith |
| `theme.from_inside` | Writing From Inside | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Memoir, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Story · genres: Heritage, Migration, Faith, Family Drama, Social Drama, Coming of Age, Testimony |
| `theme.from_outside` | Writing From Outside | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Reportage, Feature Film, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Podcast, Limited Series · genres: Journalism, Social Drama, Migration, Political, Historical, Testimony, Advocacy |
| `theme.implicit_ad_claim` | The Ad's Implicit Claim | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Advertising, Brand Film, Product Video, UGC Ad, PSA, Reels/Shorts, Carousel · genres: Lifestyle, Advocacy, Family Drama, Comedy, Sports, Educational |
| `theme.irony_as_argument` | Irony as the Thematic Instrument | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Limited Series, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: Tragedy, Satire, Drama, Crime, Noir, Literary, Dark Comedy, Political |
| `theme.keyed_allegory` | The Keyed Allegory | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (hurts most in features, novels and heritage work, which are read after the key is forgotten) |
| `theme.monster_meaning` | What the Monster Means | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Story, Limited Series, Short Film, Anime, Comics · genres: Horror, Cosmic Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Fantasy, Dark Comedy, Survival |
| `theme.moral_shape_of_ending` | The Ending's Moral Shape | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.moral_test` | The Moral Test | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Drama, Crime, War, Tragedy, Political, Social Drama, Coming of Age |
| `theme.object_carrier` | Theme Carried by an Object | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Short Film, Heritage Documentary, Animation Feature, Stage Play · genres: Heritage, Historical, Family Drama, Drama, War, Literary, Tragedy |
| `theme.organising_idea` | The Single Organising Idea | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Brand Film, Advertising, Product Video, Corporate, Explainer, Pitch Document, Trailer · genres: Advocacy, Lifestyle, Workplace, Educational, Science |
| `theme.preschool_claim` | The Preschool Claim | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Preschool, Picture Book, Kids Story, Kids Song, Animated Series, Educational · genres: Preschool, Kids, Educational, Family Drama, Fable |
| `theme.propaganda` | Propaganda | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.purpose_washing` | Purpose-Washing | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.realisation_not_lesson` | Show the Realisation, Not the Lesson | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Picture Book, Kids Story, Animation Feature, Animated Series, Kids Song, Short Film, Middle Grade · genres: Kids, Family Drama, Coming of Age, Fable, Comedy, Adventure |
| `theme.rigged_argument` | The Rigged Argument | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — (occasionally legitimate in Satire, where the rigging is declared) |
| `theme.sacred_material` | Sacred Material and the Limits of Argument | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Heritage Documentary, Limited Series, Stage Play, Audio Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Faith, Heritage, Historical, Drama, Family Drama, Tragedy, Testimony |
| `theme.satire_claim` | The Satirical Claim | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Half-Hour Comedy, Sketch, Essay, Novel, Stand-Up Set, Animated Series · genres: Satire, Dark Comedy, Political, Comedy, Social Drama, Workplace |
| `theme.satire_that_flatters` | Satire That Flatters | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — (most common, and most rewarded, in topical panel comedy, monologue segments and social-media satire) |
| `theme.series_consistency` | Thematic Consistency Across a Series | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: One-Hour Drama, Limited Series, Half-Hour Comedy, Web Series, Animation Series, Podcast · genres: Crime, Drama, Political, Science Fiction, Family Drama, Social Drama |
| `theme.song_claim` | The Song's Claim, and the Video's | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Music Video, Lyric Video, Song Lyric, Kids Song, Reels/Shorts, Title Sequence, Musical Theatre · genres: Musical, Romance, Heritage, Coming of Age, Advocacy, Kids |
| `theme.start_from_a_question` | Start From a Question | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative, Documentary, Essay, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Political, Historical, Heritage, Literary, War, Faith |
| `theme.stated_rejected` | Theme Stated, Rejected | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animation Feature, Novel, Limited Series, One-Hour Drama · genres: Drama, Comedy, Family, Coming of Age, Romance, Sports, Redemption |
| `theme.subject_mistaken_for_theme` | The Subject Mistaken for a Theme | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.symbol_without_function` | Symbol Without Function | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: — · genres: — (openly legitimate in Fable, Mythology, Allegory and Surreal work) |
| `theme.tacked_on_moral` | The Tacked-On Moral | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `theme.test_on_protagonist` | Test the Theme on the Protagonist | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: Social Drama, Political, Drama, Memoir, War, Faith, Historical |
| `theme.thematic_audit` | The Thematic Audit | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.thematic_motif` | The Thematic Motif | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Music Video, Documentary · genres: Drama, Literary, Heritage, Tragedy, War, Romance, Psychological |
| `theme.thematic_value` | The Thematic Value | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all narrative |
| `theme.theme_and_genre` | Theme and Genre Together | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: all narrative · genres: all |
| `theme.theme_in_nonfiction` | Theme in Non-Fiction | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Essay Film, Podcast, Reportage, Explainer · genres: Journalism, Heritage, Historical, Science, Advocacy, Social Drama |
| `theme.theme_in_structure` | Theme in the Structure | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Essay Film, Short Film, Game Narrative · genres: Literary, Psychological, Historical, Heritage, War, Social Drama, Science Fiction |
| `theme.through_the_ensemble` | Theme Through the Ensemble | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Limited Series, One-Hour Drama, Feature Film, Novel, Stage Play · genres: Social Drama, Political, War, Family Drama, Ensemble, Crime, Historical |
| `theme.title_as_statement` | The Title as Thematic Statement | [cat-theme.md](cat-theme.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Documentary, Stage Play, Short Film · genres: all |
| `theme.translation_survival` | Writing a Claim That Survives Translation | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Animated Series, Animation Feature, Limited Series, Kids Song, Documentary, Novel · genres: Heritage, Family Drama, Kids, Drama, Historical, Migration, Comedy |
| `theme.untranslatable_value` | The Untranslatable Moral Word | [cat-theme-2.md](cat-theme-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary, Stage Play, Audio Drama, Animation Feature · genres: Heritage, Migration, Historical, Faith, Family Drama, Social Drama, Tragedy |
| `time.ageing_on_page` | Ageing on the Page | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Comics, Series, Stage Play · genres: Family Drama, Historical, Heritage, Biography, Coming of Age, Literary |
| `time.anniversary_structure` | Anniversary Structure | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, stage play, feature film, limited series, short story · genres: literary, family drama, romance, historical |
| `time.borrowed_memory` | Borrowed Memory | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Heritage Documentary, Feature Film, Short Story, Stage Play · genres: Migration, Heritage, Family Drama, War, Testimony, Literary |
| `time.calendar_drift` | Calendar Drift | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.calendar_translation` | Chronology Across Calendars | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Heritage Documentary, Documentary, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Limited Series, Educational · genres: Historical, Heritage, Faith, Migration, Biography, Epic |
| `time.chapter_length_clock` | Chapter Length as Clock | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Serialised Fiction, Novella, Middle Grade, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Comics · genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Horror, Literary, Adventure |
| `time.chapter_two_dump` | The Chapter Two Backfill | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.cold_memory` | Cold Memory | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, short story, memoir, essay, voice over · genres: literary, crime, comedy, memoir, noir |
| `time.countdown_chapter` | The Countdown Chapter | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Feature Film, Serialised Fiction, Podcast, Web Series · genres: Thriller, Crime, Disaster, Courtroom, War, Survival |
| `time.datestamp_crutch` | The Ten-Years-Earlier Card | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.dead_strand` | The Dead Strand | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.descriptive_pause` | Descriptive Pause | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Essay, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Novella · genres: Literary, Horror, Psychological, Nature, Arthouse |
| `time.dilation` | Dilation | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, short story, feature film, poetry · genres: literary, thriller, horror, war, sports, romance |
| `time.document_dating` | Document-Dated Chronology | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Audio Drama, Interactive Fiction, Short Story, Comics · genres: Mystery, Horror, Historical, Romance, Literary, Testimony |
| `time.documentary_chronology` | Documentary Chronology | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Documentary, Documentary Series, Long-Form Non-Fiction, Reportage, Podcast, True Crime · genres: Journalism, Testimony, Crime, Political, Historical, Advocacy |
| `time.double_anchor` | Double Anchor | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, memoir, short story, screenplay · genres: all |
| `time.dramatised_flashback` | Dramatised Flashback | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, series TV, short story · genres: literary, drama, thriller, war, romance |
| `time.dream_sequence` | The Dream Sequence | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Animation Feature, Stage Play, Game Narrative, Short Story · genres: Psychological, Horror, Surreal, Literary, Arthouse |
| `time.dual_timeline` | Dual Timeline | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, limited series, feature film · genres: historical, family saga, mystery, literary, romance |
| `time.ellipsis` | Ellipsis | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, short story, screenplay, comics, short-form video · genres: all, literary, horror, crime |
| `time.ensemble_chronology` | Ensemble Chronology | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Series, Game Narrative, Comics, Stage Play · genres: Ensemble, Crime, War, Disaster, Political, Family Drama |
| `time.false_flashforward` | The False Flashforward | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.flashback_trigger` | Flashback Trigger | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, short story, audio drama · genres: literary, drama, psychological thriller, horror, romance |
| `time.flashforward` | Flashforward | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, series TV, short-form video · genres: thriller, crime, literary, drama, comedy |
| `time.frame_narrative` | Frame Narrative | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, stage play, audio drama · genres: Gothic, Literary, Horror, Historical, Fable |
| `time.generational_span` | Generational Span | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Heritage Documentary, Stage Play, Comics · genres: Family Drama, Historical, Heritage, Migration, Epic, Social Drama |
| `time.historical_present` | Historical Present | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Memoir, Documentary, Audio Drama, Voiceover Script, Monologue · genres: Literary, Testimony, Heritage, War, Journalism |
| `time.in_medias_res` | In Medias Res | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, short story, series, short-form video · genres: thriller, action, crime, war, science fiction |
| `time.interactive_rewind` | Interactive Rewind | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: video game, interactive fiction, VR narrative, choice-based · genres: science fiction, psychological drama, horror, mystery |
| `time.iterative_habit` | Iterative Time | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, memoir, short story, essay, voice over · genres: literary, family drama, comedy, historical, memoir |
| `time.life_review` | The Life Review | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Stage Play, Feature Film, Monologue, Audio Drama, Memoir · genres: Literary, Tragedy, Family Drama, Redemption, Biography, Faith |
| `time.linear_spine` | Linear Spine | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, short story, feature screenplay, stage play · genres: literary, thriller, romance, adventure, children's |
| `time.log_time` | Diary and Log Time | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Interactive Fiction, Game Narrative, Audio Drama, Short Story, Web Series · genres: Horror, Survival, Psychological, Science Fiction, Testimony, Coming of Age |
| `time.montage` | Montage | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: screenplay, feature film, short-form video, music video, comics, novel (rarely) · genres: sports, romance, war, comedy, biopic |
| `time.nested_flashback` | Nested Flashback | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Short Story, Comics · genres: Psychological, Literary, War, Crime, Mystery |
| `time.nonlinear_assembly` | Non-Linear Assembly | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: literary novel, feature film, limited series, short story cycle · genres: literary, psychological drama, crime, memoir |
| `time.parallel_now` | Parallel Timelines | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, series TV, video game · genres: thriller, disaster, war, crime, ensemble drama |
| `time.passage_marker` | Passage Marker | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, comics, picture book, short-form video · genres: literary, family drama, historical, horror, children's |
| `time.performed_time` | Performed Time | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Audio Drama, Podcast, Voiceover Script, Monologue, Stand-Up Set, Live Event, Heritage Documentary · genres: Heritage, Testimony, Comedy, Myth, Faith, Biography |
| `time.present_tense` | Present-Tense Narration | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Feature Film, Memoir, Monologue, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Literary, Psychological, Survival, Coming of Age, Horror |
| `time.prophecy_structure` | Prophecy as Structure | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Stage Play, Limited Series, Animation Feature, Game Narrative · genres: Tragedy, Myth, Fantasy, Epic, Historical, Faith |
| `time.reader_timeline_aid` | Reader-Facing Timeline Aid | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Comics, Documentary Series, Game Narrative, Educational · genres: Historical, Fantasy, Epic, Family Drama, Heritage, Science Fiction |
| `time.real_time` | Real Time | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: stage play, feature film, novella, series, audio drama, live event · genres: thriller, drama, horror, comedy of manners |
| `time.recurring_fragment` | Recurring Fragment | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, limited series, short story · genres: psychological drama, literary, horror, crime, war |
| `time.reverse_chronology` | Reverse Chronology | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: feature film, short story, novella, stage play, music video · genres: tragedy, crime, literary, romance (the failed kind) |
| `time.scene_duration` | Scene Duration | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, screenplay, stage play, short story, game narrative · genres: all |
| `time.seasonal_cycle` | The Seasonal Cycle | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Documentary, Heritage Documentary, Animation Feature, Picture Book, Limited Series · genres: Heritage, Nature, Family Drama, Faith, Coming of Age, Literary |
| `time.serial_clock` | Serial Clock | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: series TV, soap, web serial, podcast drama, webtoon, serialised novel · genres: crime, fantasy, science fiction, comedy |
| `time.shortform_compression` | Short-Form Compression | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: short-form video, Reels, TikTok, Shorts, carousel, short story · genres: comedy, romance, heritage, personal essay, horror |
| `time.simultaneity_handling` | The Meanwhile Problem | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Short Story, Audio Drama, Comics, Serialised Fiction · genres: Thriller, Disaster, War, Crime, Ensemble, Heist |
| `time.single_day` | The Single-Day Structure | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Novella, Short Story, Feature Film, Stage Play · genres: Literary, Psychological, Slice of Life, Social Drama, Arthouse |
| `time.summary_duration` | Summary Duration | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, memoir, short story, essay, voice over · genres: literary, historical, family saga, comedy, noir |
| `time.temporal_cliffhanger` | The Temporal Cliffhanger | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Series, Limited Series, Serialised Fiction, Web Series, Comics · genres: Thriller, Mystery, Melodrama, Crime, Fantasy, Family Drama |
| `time.tense_shift` | The Shifting-Tense Structure | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Novella, Memoir, Short Story · genres: Literary, Family Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Historical |
| `time.time_jump` | Time Jump | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, series TV, feature film, comics, stage play · genres: family saga, historical, drama, science fiction, crime |
| `time.time_loop` | The Time Loop | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Feature Film, Novel, Limited Series, Short Story, Game Narrative, Anime · genres: Science Fiction, Comedy, Psychological, Horror, Redemption |
| `time.time_travel_rules` | Time-Travel Chronology | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Feature Film, Limited Series, Game Narrative, Anime, Series · genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Tragedy, Thriller, Literary |
| `time.timeline_aid_apology` | The Family Tree as Apology | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.timeline_audit` | The Timeline Audit | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: Novel, Limited Series, Series, Serialised Fiction, Game Narrative, Long-Form Non-Fiction · genres: Historical, Crime, Mystery, Family Drama, Science Fiction, Epic |
| `time.timeline_retcon` | The Timeline Retcon | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.unasked_flashback` | The Flashback Nobody Asked For | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.unreliable_memory` | Unreliable Memory | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, feature film, limited series, short story · genres: psychological thriller, literary, mystery, horror |
| `time.unruled_time_travel` | The Unruled Time Machine | [cat-time-2.md](cat-time-2.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.unsignalled_jump` | The Unsignalled Jump | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: — · genres: — |
| `time.withheld_flashback` | Withheld Flashback | [cat-time.md](cat-time.md) | formats: novel, limited series, feature film, stage play · genres: psychological drama, thriller, literary, war, mystery |
| `world.borrowed_material_culture` | How Far the Borrowing Goes | [secondary-world.md](secondary-world.md) | formats: Animated Series, Animation Feature, Feature Film, Short Film, Game Narrative, Comics, Vertical Micro-Drama, Novel · genres: Fantasy and Epic, Myth, Science Fiction, Adventure, Action, Heritage (civilisation-focused) |
| `world.invent_every_name` | Invent Every Name | [secondary-world.md](secondary-world.md) | formats: Animated Series, Animation Feature, Feature Film, Short Film, Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Vertical Micro-Drama, Comics, Novel, Vertical Short-Form (Reels, Shorts, TikTok) · genres: Fantasy and Epic, Myth, Science Fiction, Adventure, Action, Heritage (civilisation-focused) |
| `world.series_coherence` | Keeping It Coherent Past One Piece | [secondary-world.md](secondary-world.md) | formats: Animated Series, Web Series and Serialised Short-Form, Game Narrative, Interactive Fiction, Comics, Novel, Documentary Series, Vertical Micro-Drama · genres: Fantasy and Epic, Myth, Science Fiction, Adventure, Action |