| name | Tension Curve |
| description | Map the micro-tension beats within a chapter to ensure escalation, release, and sustained dread or anticipation. |
Tension Curve Skill
Map the micro-tension beats within a chapter to ensure escalation, release, and sustained dread or anticipation.
Usage
/project:skills:tension-curve {chapter_promise}
Process
Inputs
- Required:
chapter_promise
- Optional:
beats_per_chapter (default: 5)
Steps
- Plot entries: where does the pressure start?
- Plot complications: what increases the social/physical/moral stakes?
- Identify the Peak (the highest tension point).
- Identify the Twist/Cost: what is lost at the peak?
- Plot the Exit: where does the tension settle (usually higher than it started)?
- Generate a visualization map (markdown table or list).
Output Format
- Tension Map Table: [Beat | Tension Level (1-10) | Description]
- Peak Tension description
- Twist/Cost description
Quality Checks
- Tension does not plateau for more than two beats.
- The Peak occurs in the final 30% of the chapter.
- Pacing reflects the genre rhythm (e.g., sharp jumps for thriller).
