narratological-algorithms
Distill artist/theorist narrative principles into formal, implementable algorithmic frameworks. Use when asked to extract, formalize, or systematize narrative techniques from any storytelling source—filmmakers, writers, theorists, game designers, showrunners. Triggers on requests involving narrative principle extraction, story structure analysis, craft methodology formalization, or creating implementable storytelling protocols.
Best use case
narratological-algorithms is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Distill artist/theorist narrative principles into formal, implementable algorithmic frameworks. Use when asked to extract, formalize, or systematize narrative techniques from any storytelling source—filmmakers, writers, theorists, game designers, showrunners. Triggers on requests involving narrative principle extraction, story structure analysis, craft methodology formalization, or creating implementable storytelling protocols.
Teams using narratological-algorithms should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/narratological-algorithms/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How narratological-algorithms Compares
| Feature / Agent | narratological-algorithms | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Distill artist/theorist narrative principles into formal, implementable algorithmic frameworks. Use when asked to extract, formalize, or systematize narrative techniques from any storytelling source—filmmakers, writers, theorists, game designers, showrunners. Triggers on requests involving narrative principle extraction, story structure analysis, craft methodology formalization, or creating implementable storytelling protocols.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Narratological Algorithm Distillation Transform narrative principles from artists, theorists, and practitioners into formal, implementable algorithmic frameworks. ## Workflow ### 1. Source Classification Identify source type to calibrate extraction approach: | Type | Characteristics | Extraction Focus | |------|-----------------|------------------| | **Theorist** | Prescriptive texts (McKee, Aristotle) | Direct principle extraction | | **Practitioner** | Interviews, commentary, production docs | Reverse-engineering from stated methods | | **Classical** | Ancient/foundational texts (Poetics, Natyasastra) | Translation of archaic terminology | | **Analyst** | Secondary analysis of creator's work | Validation against primary sources | ### 2. Primary Source Prioritization Always prioritize **primary sources** over secondary analysis: - Direct quotes from the creator - Production documents, interviews, lectures - The creator's own articulated methodology - Documented working processes When using secondary sources, validate principles against primary evidence. Flag where principles are inferred vs. directly stated. ### 3. Principle Extraction Protocol For each identified principle: ``` EXTRACT: 1. Locate source statement (direct quote when available) 2. Identify underlying mechanism (why it works) 3. Formulate as rule or constraint 4. Determine scope (universal vs. context-specific) 5. Map to existing narrative theory where applicable ``` ### 4. Document Structure Generate output following the canonical structure. See [references/output-template.md](references/output-template.md) for the full template. **Required sections:** 1. Meta-Principles (Axioms) 2. Structural Hierarchy 3. Core Algorithms/Protocols 4. Diagnostic Questions/Tests 5. Quick Reference Card **Optional sections (as warranted):** - Episode/Scene Templates - Theoretical Correspondence Tables - Source Cross-Reference Appendix ### 5. Formalization Patterns Convert principles to implementable forms: | Source Form | Target Form | |-------------|-------------| | Conceptual statement | Constraint rule | | Process description | Pseudocode function | | Best practice | Validity test | | Comparison | Decision table | | Taxonomy | Classification tree | See [references/formalization-patterns.md](references/formalization-patterns.md) for detailed examples. ### 6. Axiom Identification Identify 3-7 meta-principles that underpin the creator's entire approach: ``` AXIOM_CRITERIA: - Foundational (other principles derive from it) - Non-negotiable in the creator's worldview - Distinguishes this approach from alternatives - Stated explicitly or demonstrated consistently ``` Format axioms with unique identifiers: `[CREATOR_INITIALS]-A[N]` ### 7. Validation Checks Before finalizing, verify: - [ ] All principles traceable to source material - [ ] Pseudocode is syntactically coherent - [ ] Decision tables have complete coverage - [ ] Quick reference captures essential operations - [ ] Diagnostic questions are answerable yes/no - [ ] Theoretical correspondences are accurate ### 8. Cross-Medium Adaptation Notes When source material is medium-specific, include adaptation guidance for: - Film → Television (serialization, episode structure) - Literature → Interactive (agency, branching) - Single creator → Collaborative (writers' room dynamics) - Western → Non-Western theoretical traditions ## Reference Files - **[references/output-template.md](references/output-template.md)** — Full document structure template - **[references/formalization-patterns.md](references/formalization-patterns.md)** — Examples of converting prose to algorithms - **[references/theoretical-correspondences.md](references/theoretical-correspondences.md)** — Mapping table across narrative traditions
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