arc-optimization

name

arc-optimization

description

(1)Optimize story pacing, emotional arcs, tension curves, and narrative flow for Visual Story Planner StoryGraphs. Always activate when the user says:"pacing", "too fast", "too slow", "emotional arc", "tension build", "story feels flat", "optimize story", "improve flow", "climax doesn't land", "restructure events", "my story drags", or "how do I build tension". Also activate when a structural audit shows ACT_IMBALANCE warnings — arc optimization is the fix. Produces a pacing score, tension curve visualization (ASCII), emotional arc trajectory,and an ordered list of concrete restructuring moves with before/after event counts.

Arc & Pacing Optimizer

Analyzes and optimizes story rhythm, emotional progression, and tension distribution.

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Optimization Areas

1. Event Density Analysis

Calculate events per act and flag imbalance:

Act 1: [N] events = [X]% (target: ~25%)
Act 2: [N] events = [X]% (target: ~50%)
Act 3: [N] events = [X]% (target: ~25%)

Suggest additions/removals to reach targets.

2. Tension Curve

Map each event's implied tension level (1–10) based on importance:

• normal/rising → baseline (3–5)
• inciting → spike (6)
• midpoint → peak (7)
• climax → maximum (9–10)
• resolution → release (2–4)

Draw ASCII tension curve:

10 │         *
 8 │       *   
 6 │   *         
 4 │ *       * *
 2 │               *
   └────────────────
   A1  A1  A2  A3 A3

Ideal shape: gradual rise → midpoint peak → brief dip → climax peak → resolution drop.

3. Emotional Arc Trajectory

Assess overall emotional journey:

• Flat: no variation in emotional tone → add contrast events
• Spike-only: all tension with no relief → add breathing room in Act 2
• Front-heavy: climax too early → move or strengthen Act 3 events
• Satisfying: gradual rise with peaks and valleys

4. Climax Positioning

Ideal climax position: 75–85% through the full event sequence.

Climax at event [N] of [Total] = [X]%
Status: [too early / ideal / too late]

5. Subplot Integration

Check if secondary conflicts have events distributed across all three acts. Flag any subplot that only appears in one act.

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Restructuring Moves

For each issue, suggest a concrete move:

Move Type	Description
ADD	Add event in [Act N] with importance [X]
MOVE	Move event "[Label]" from Act [N] to Act [M]
PROMOTE	Change importance of "[Label]" from rising to midpoint
SPLIT	Split "[Label]" into two events for better pacing
MERGE	Merge [A] and [B] — they're too close in impact

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Output Format

## Arc Optimization: [Title]

**Pacing Score: [X]/100**

### Event Density
[table of act distribution]

### Tension Curve
[ASCII diagram]

### Emotional Arc: [flat/rising/satisfying/etc]
[brief assessment]

### Climax Position: [X]% — [status]

### 🎯 Restructuring Plan (ordered)
1. [MOVE] "Shadow King attacks" from Act 3 → Act 2, event 6 — raises midpoint tension
   before: Act2=5 events, Act3=4 events | after: Act2=6 events, Act3=3 events | delta: Act2 +1, Act3 -1
2. [ADD]  New "brief victory" event in Act 2 — creates tension contrast
   before: Act2=5 events (38%) | after: Act2=6 events (43%) | delta: +1 event, +5% Act2 share
3. [PROMOTE] "Learning the truth" importance: rising → midpoint
   before: 0 midpoint events | after: 1 midpoint event | delta: midpoint flag now ✅