tension-curve

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

1. Plot entries: where does the pressure start?
2. Plot complications: what increases the social/physical/moral stakes?
3. Identify the Peak (the highest tension point).
4. Identify the Twist/Cost: what is lost at the peak?
5. Plot the Exit: where does the tension settle (usually higher than it started)?
6. 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).