| 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.
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.
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 |
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 ✅
