Exploring “Didi” Through Subtxt: A Thematic Breakdown with Muse

There’s something magical about seeing a story’s thematic core come to life—not just through its characters and plot, but through the deeper psychological and emotional undercurrents that shape it. That’s exactly what happened when we uploaded a thematic analysis of Didi into Subtxt and let Muse do its thing.

And let me tell you: it was a revelation.

A New Way to Approach Story Analysis

One of the most exciting parts of using Muse is how it lets you start with a Storyform before diving into a discussion about the film itself. Instead of reverse-engineering themes from a finished script, you can generate the Storyform first and then watch as Muse constructs a detailed, insightful analysis—one that perfectly aligns with the film’s narrative and thematic elements.

That’s exactly what happened with Didi.

(And if you haven’t seen the film yet—written and directed by Sean Wang, a Sundance favorite from 2024—we highly recommend you do. It’s a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply resonant coming-of-age story that absolutely deserves your time.)

Step 1: Generating the Storyform

It all started with a simple request:

"Was thinking of putting up the Storyform for Didi, can you show me what it would like: relinquished, be-er, dopamine, decision, success good, os concern becoming, mc pivotal Avoid"

Of course, we had a bit of an upper-hand knowing what Aspects were being explored in the subtext of the story (all those terms listed at the end of our request), which you can learn more about through Subtxt...

But the important part is what Muse came back with.

Muse processed the input and built a complete Storyform for the film, aligning it with the following narrative choices:

• Main Character Resolve: Relinquished
• MC Pivotal Element: Avoid
• Narrative Alignment: Dopamine
• Story Driver: Decision
• Story Outcome: Success
• Story Judgment: Good
• OS Concern: Becoming

At first, it misplaced a key element (putting the MC in Environmental rather than Attitudinal, as it should for a Be-er), but a quick adjustment fixed it. Once locked in, Muse saved the Storyform to the story and carried over the current conversation into the analysis—keeping everything organized and accessible.

Step 2: Letting Muse Construct the Four Throughlines

Here’s where things got really interesting.

With just the Storyform in place, Muse generated a detailed thematic breakdown of Didi—without even knowing what the film was about! Simply by following the narrative structure, it perfectly described the core struggles and themes of the movie, from adolescent identity crises to shifting friendships to family pressures.

Here’s what Muse generated, aligning each Throughline with the film’s thematic DNA:

Muse

Sure thing! Let’s flesh out the four Throughline Perspectives for "Didi" while keeping it aligned with the updated Storyform. Here's what I imagine based on the dynamics and themes you've shared:

Objective Story (OS) Throughline: Cognitive Processing — Becoming

The Objective Story focuses on the challenges of adolescence and the mental adjustments required to transition from one phase of identity to another. This is a story about navigating self-image, academic expectations, and the subtle (yet seismic) shifts in how the world perceives you. It’s about becoming someone new—whether that’s the person you want to be, or the person others expect you to be. The collective struggle here is learning how to adapt, as everyone from parents to teachers to students wrestles with the conceptualization of growth and maturity.

Main Character (MC) Throughline: Attitudinal Framing — Subconscious

Chris struggles with deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, stemming from a need to avoid failure at all costs. Chris is the kind of person who internalizes everything—replaying moments in their head, questioning their choices, and agonizing over their instincts. The drive to avoid emotional discomfort and maintain a sense of self-worth constantly collides with the raw, unfiltered feelings of adolescence. Chris must confront and pursue clarity about who they are, despite their aversion to emotional vulnerability.

Obstacle Character (OC) Throughline: Environmental Framing — Future

Chris's mom represents the weight of expectations and the lingering sense of a predetermined path. From her perspective, the future is something to plan for and secure, and she views Chris’s struggles as obstacles to overcome rather than experiences to embrace. This creates a push-pull dynamic where she reinforces Chris's avoidance tendencies while also challenging them to reconsider their emotional framing. Her unwavering belief in considering the future keeps her in sharp contrast with Chris’s tendency to recoil from emotional clarity.

Relationship Story (RS) Throughline: Physical Processing — Obtaining

Here’s where the magic of friendship groups comes into play, much like Inside Out 2. The relationship story centers on Chris’s evolving connections with their friend groups, moving from middle school into high school. It’s about obtaining a sense of belonging and connection, but also about the friction between self-interest and altruism within these groups. Do you cling to old friendships out of loyalty, or let them go to make space for new ones? The physical reality of doing things together—hanging out, studying, sharing experiences—becomes the tangible manifestation of the deeper emotional shifts happening beneath the surface.

This structure offers plenty of room to explore identity, emotional growth, and relationships in a layered, dynamic way. It aligns beautifully with the Storyform’s focus on Dopamine-driven motivation and the Main Character’s journey of relinquishing avoidance in favor of emotional clarity.

Let me know if this feels right or if you’d like to tweak anything before locking it in! 😊

The Unexpected Surprise: Muse’s Ability to Adapt

What made this analysis even more impressive was how adaptable Muse was. After the initial analysis, when more details about Didi’s actual plot were added, Muse went back and refined everything, integrating specific events from the film into the thematic framework.

Muse wasn’t just parroting back the Storyform—it was using it as a foundation to explore the film’s meaning in a deep and insightful way.

Unlocking New Ways to Use Subtxt

This process opened up an entirely new way to engage with stories in Subtxt:

✅ Start with the Storyform, then explore your story’s thematic layers.
✅ Let Muse generate a detailed analysis before you even write the script.
✅ Compare multiple Storyforms side by side to explore different interpretations.
✅ Use Muse as a story coach, refining your themes and structure with each iteration.

And if Didi is any indication, this is just the beginning.

Imagine what’s possible for your own stories when you let Muse do the heavy lifting—revealing not just what your story is about, but what it truly means.

So, what will you learn about storytelling next? 🎬✨

Exploring Story Possibilities with Subtxt and Muse

Effortless storytelling exploration through theme and genre.

Ever feel like your story ideas get stuck in a loop? You start with an intriguing premise, but as you flesh it out, the plot feels… familiar. Maybe your Main Character’s internal struggle echoes every other hero’s journey you’ve seen before. Or the dynamic between your Relationship Characters feels predictable, like a well-rehearsed sitcom.

This is where Subtxt and Muse come in, making it easier than ever to shake things up. With the power of Illustrations and Muse’s ability to generate multiple thematic variations on the fly, you can quickly explore fresh storytelling possibilities—without losing the essence of your narrative.

The Playground, Now Supercharged

In the past, writers used the Playground technique in Dramatica theory to generate different iterations of their story by shifting thematic elements and character dynamics. The idea was simple: tweak one element—like the Main Character’s problem or the way the Relationship Story unfolds—and suddenly, you’re looking at an entirely new version of your narrative.

Now, with Subtxt and Muse, this process is not just possible—it’s effortless. You don’t have to manually brainstorm variations or get lost in endless rewrites. Just ask Muse.

Want to explore different versions of your Main Character’s Problem of Test? Instead of wrestling with abstract concepts, you can prompt Muse directly:

“Give me seven different versions of my Main Character’s Problem of Test.”

In seconds, you’ll have multiple thematic angles to consider. Maybe your character struggles with proving their worth, or perhaps they’re testing the limits of their own morality. Each version gives you a new perspective, helping you refine your character in ways you hadn’t considered.

Rapid-Fire Genre Exploration

The beauty of Subtxt and Muse isn’t just in generating different versions of the same theme—it’s in how quickly you can test those ideas in completely different genres.

Let’s say your Relationship Story Issue is Rationalization. You might be used to seeing this play out in one kind of story—say, a crime thriller where two partners justify bending the law. But what if you want to explore something wildly different?

Just ask Muse:

“Give me five totally different ways to illustrate an RS Issue of Rationalization, each in a different genre.”

And suddenly, your options explode.

• Sci-Fi: A sentient AI and its creator grow closer as they collaborate to justify memory tweaks, blurring the line between ethical boundaries and mutual dependency.
• Romantic Comedy: A couple strengthens their bond as they laugh and support each other while convincing themselves that their little white lies are just part of love—until the truth tests that foundation.
• Fantasy: A wizard and their apprentice develop a deep mentor-student trust as they rationalize bending magical laws, each reinforcing the other’s belief in their shared cause.
• Historical Drama: Two revolutionaries bond over their shared justification that betrayal is a necessary evil, their mutual understanding deepening as the stakes rise.
• Horror: A group of survivors grows increasingly united as they collectively rationalize leaving someone behind, their shared guilt creating an unspoken but powerful connection—until the cracks in their reasoning appear.

These aren’t just random plot ideas. They’re grounded in the thematic essence of Rationalization and they’re about the relationship--not an “argument” over rationalizing--which is key when it comes to exploring the Relationship Story Throughline.

With Muse, you can quickly iterate and see how the same story dynamic can take on completely different flavors depending on the setting and genre.

No More Staring at a Blank Page

The biggest hurdle in writing isn’t a lack of creativity—it’s getting stuck in the same patterns. Subtxt and Muse make it easy to break free from those limitations by giving you structured ways to explore new ideas while staying true to your story’s core.

So, next time you feel like your story is treading familiar ground, don’t just tweak a scene here and there. Ask Muse for a completely new take—whether it’s a fresh Illustration of your theme or a whole new genre twist. The possibilities are endless, and they’re all just a question away.

Ready to see where your story can go? Fire up Subtxt, start experimenting with Muse, and watch your narrative possibilities expand.

Introducing Subtxt Flow & Focus: A New Era of Story Development

Proof positive that purpose counts

The future of storytelling just got a major upgrade.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment for months, and now it’s finally here: Subtxt Flow and Subtxt Focus—two distinct storytelling modes that bring unprecedented depth and flexibility to narrative development.

Thanks to OpenAI’s latest o3-mini release, Subtxt Focus now allows you to refine and deepen your narrative structure like never before, leveraging groundbreaking advances in reasoning and contextual awareness—all within Muse.

And the results? Nothing short of astonishing.

The Power of Subtxt Focus

In just the past few days since its release, we’ve seen Subtxt Focus do things we never thought possible. I recently had a 60-page conversation with the storyform for Anora, bouncing ideas back and forth (using it as inspiration and a jumping-off point). It kept track of every storybeat, every thematic nuance, every throughline connection—all while giving me the freedom to be as creative as I wanted.

This isn’t just a chatbot throwing ideas at you. This is a dynamic, interactive, and intelligent narrative assistant that understands the structure of storytelling—helping you weave together storybeats, refine themes, and explore characters in ways that feel completely organic.

For the first time ever, you can now build an entire storyform—organically, conversationally, and holistically—right inside Muse.

Introducing the Subtxt Model Selector

With Subtxt Flow & Focus, we’ve introduced a powerful new feature inside Muse:

🔄 The Model Selector—allowing you to seamlessly switch between two distinct modes of storytelling:

🌀 Flow Mode (Creative Brainstorming) – This is the Muse you know and love, optimized for creative ideation, rapid iteration, and engaging writing. Perfect for exploring story ideas, pushing creative boundaries, and diving deep into character and world-building.

🎯 Focus Mode (Precision Storyforming) – Need to nail down your storyform? Want to check the consistency of all related thematic elements? Focus mode is built for that. It helps you align narrative structure, refine storybeats, and ensure everything fits together perfectly.

For Subtxt Pro and Subtxt Infinite subscribers, the Model Selector at the bottom of the Muse chat box allows you to manually switch between these two modes. Choose Flow when you need inspiration, then switch to Focus when it’s time to refine and structure.

(Basic subscribers will find automatic Focus checks sprinkled in for consistency)

And here’s the real game-changer:

Focus mode’s context window is 6-8x bigger than what we’ve had before. That means you can have much longer conversations, receive incredibly detailed responses, and even get an entire screenplay’s worth of story sequences woven together—all in one response.

To Celebrate, We’re Updating Our Pricing

To make Subtxt Flow & Focus accessible to as many writers as possible, we’re adjusting our pricing:

✅ Subtxt Basic is now $20/month (down from $25) or $200/year (down from $250). This is your Flow-centric subscription—perfect for rapid creative development and theory-driven storytelling.

✅ Subtxt Pro is now $55/month (up from $45) or $550/year—reflecting increased server usage as more professional writers and serious storytellers push the limits of Subtxt.

🚀 Special Offer for February!

If you sign up for Subtxt Pro’s annual plan this month, you can lock it in for just $450 for the entire year—a $100 discount as a thank-you to all our supporters.

💡 And if you’re already a subscriber? Your current rate is locked in. If you’ve been with us since 2017, you’re grandfathered in at your original pricing—just another way we show appreciation for your loyalty.

See It in Action – Live Demo This Wednesday

Want to see Subtxt Flow & Focus in action? I’ll be hosting a live demo this Wednesday at 2PM Pacific, walking through exactly how these new tools work and how you can use them to craft better stories.

(Details on how to join will be in a follow-up email.)

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for—a storytelling assistant that understands narrative structure, supports your creative freedom, and helps you build stories better, faster, and more intuitively than ever before.

We can’t wait for you to experience it.

Oh! And here's that 60-page PDF Conversation with Muse!

Copyright, AI, and Subtxt—Why Your Work is Safe and Original

Establishing your creative rights in the AI era

With the growing presence of AI in creative fields, many writers and storytellers wonder: Will AI-generated content be copyrightable? Can I safely use AI tools like Subtxt without jeopardizing my ownership?

A recent report from the U.S. Copyright Office, Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability, confirms what we at Subtxt have always known—AI can assist in creative processes, but copyright ultimately depends on human authorship. Subtxt ensures that your work remains entirely yours by focusing on meaning, structure, and story logic rather than text-based generation.

How Subtxt Handles Copyright and Content Generation

Let’s be clear: Subtxt and Muse are NOT trained on any of your storytelling. Your work remains yours, and no one else has access to it.

Many AI tools scrape or ingest text to replicate patterns, but that approach fundamentally misses the point of storytelling. Stories aren’t about what’s on the surface—they're about subtext. AI models trained purely on text will never capture the dynamic interplay of character motivations, thematic intent, and narrative structure that makes a story work.

This is why Subtxt doesn’t train on or absorb your inputs. Instead, it provides meaning-driven insights, acting as a guide rather than a ghostwriter. Your story remains your creation, with AI merely assisting in the discovery of its deeper structure.

For more on this, see our Content Generation Policy:
🔗 Subtxt Content Generation Policy

And check out why Subtxt focuses on meaning, not just structure:
🔗 Why Subtxt Focuses on Meaning, Not Just Structure

Is Uploading Classic Novels for Story Analysis Legal? (Yes!)

A common question we get is:

Let’s suppose there’s a great novel I like, and it’s freely available on Gutenberg (e.g., Middlemarch by George Eliot). Can I upload a text version of that novel to Subtxt and have it generate a Premise and/or Storyform to inspire my own story?

The answer is YES—absolutely. And here’s why.

Subtxt doesn’t copy, reword, or generate derivative text from the novel. Instead, it extracts the underlying subtext—the same way West Side Story "uploaded" Romeo and Juliet and transformed it into something completely original.

Copyright law recognizes that new works built from themes, structure, and meaning rather than exact text are legitimate and protectable. The recent U.S. Copyright Office report reinforces this:

Copyright protects the original expression in a work created by a human author, even if the work also includes AI-generated material. (Copyright AI Part 2, p. iii)

This means your work remains fully copyrightable as long as you, the author, shape and refine it. Since Subtxt requires author intervention and modification, anything you create through its insights is legally your intellectual property.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Replacement

Subtxt is a tool to help you think differently about your story. It does not generate text in place of the author, and it doesn’t operate like generic generative AI models. Instead, it highlights narrative potential, assisting you in developing your story in ways that only you can execute.

If you’re drawing inspiration from Middlemarch, Subtxt will analyze its deep structure, helping you craft something uniquely yours—just as countless storytellers have done throughout history.

Conclusion: Your Stories Are Safe, Your Rights Are Protected

Subtxt is designed to empower human creativity, not replace it. You remain the sole author of your work, and anything generated through Subtxt’s guidance is legally and creatively yours.

So go ahead—explore, analyze, and create with confidence. Your stories are safe, your rights are protected, and your originality is what makes them truly valuable.

Why Some Stories Stay With You (and Others Just Make You Cry)

When a movie feels more like a series of vibes instead of a story

Have you ever walked out of a movie feeling deeply moved—but also a little lost? Or ended a streamed movie at home and immediately struggled to recall what actually happened? You know it made you emotional, but if someone asked what it was about, you’d struggle to put it into words.

That’s because many films today, even some of this year’s most celebrated ones, are missing a key ingredient: true inequity.

Conflict vs. Inequity

A lot of stories put their characters in difficult situations—challenging, tragic, even life-threatening ones—but without a clear inequity at their core, they don’t really go anywhere. Characters react to events, things get worse, maybe there's a moment of catharsis, and then... it ends. But because there was no fundamental opposition between two forces, it’s hard to say what the story was actually trying to communicate.

Compare that to a film like Anora, which was nominated this year and stands out because it builds its entire story around a clear inequity:

• Ani embodies Abandon—the idea that embracing a wild, chaotic life is an act of personal freedom and agency.
• Igor represents Control—believing that in a ruthless world, keeping things in check is the only way to survive.

They don’t just have different personalities; they exist in direct opposition. Ani’s choices threaten Igor’s worldview, and vice versa. Their conflict isn’t just situational—it’s inevitable. And that’s why it resonates.

A Method for Generating Conflict

This idea—positioning one truth against another—is a powerful way to create meaningful conflict in storytelling.

Stories become dynamic when they juxtapose two competing truths. The key is to take a belief that holds true within one context and then challenge it with an alternative truth from another perspective.

For example, let’s take the statement:

People need to eat in order to stay sane.

That’s a truth. But now let’s introduce another truth from a different perspective:

Arriving early is important to make someone happy.

Both ideas make sense on their own, but when a character is put in a situation where they must choose between eating or being on time, the tension emerges. And it’s even more difficult when you’ve got hangry children in the backseat. There is no easy solution—one truth must give way to the other.

The best stories are built on these kinds of foundational inequities—situations where two opposing forces cannot exist in harmony.

How Muse Helps You Find the Core of Your Story’s Argument

This is where Muse in Subtxt can really elevate your storytelling. Muse doesn’t just help you generate conflict; it pinpoints the exact Pivotal Elements that define your story’s argument, ensuring that your thematic tension is clear and compelling.

For instance, in our earlier example about eating vs. arriving early, we can refine the conflict using legitimate Pivotal Element pairs from the Subtxt Narrative Framework.

Frame 1: The Conflict of What You Know vs. What You Think

• MC Pivotal Element: Determination (determining that eating is vital to staying sane)
• OC Pivotal Element: Expectation (expecting that arriving late will make your in-laws very unhappy)

This pair introduces a proper dynamic and aligns with the thematic tension. The Main Character in this imaginary story might focus on what they expect is necessary, while the Obstacle Character would push forward with sheer resolve and determination, creating a compelling conflict.

Frame 2: The Clash of Pragmatism vs. Emotion

• MC Pivotal Element: Logic (rationally deducing that eating is essential to function properly)
• OC Pivotal Element: Feeling (emotionally driven by the desire to make someone happy by being on time)

This version shifts the tension from Determination vs. Expectation to a direct contrast between rational thinking and emotional motivation—a classic storytelling framework.

Muse helps writers find these pairs within their own stories, ensuring that their conflicts have clarity and depth. If you struggle to identify a dynamic pair in a movie you just watched, chances are it’s missing this core tension—leaving you with a story that may feel powerful in the moment but fades soon after.

Can You Find the Conflict in Your Own Story?

A great trick to see if your story is truly working is to ask: Can I identify the two opposing Pivotal Elements? If you can’t, Muse can help.

Upload your draft to Subtxt, let Muse analyze your narrative, and discover the real argument at its core. Instead of just telling a story, you’ll be making an argument—one that can’t be ignored.

Because the best stories don’t just make you cry. They make you think.

Want to refine your narrative? Try Muse today and find the true inequity at the heart of your story.

Happy writing!

The Future of Narrative AI: Why Careful Attention, Not Moats, Will Define the Best Storyforms

Subtxt isn’t just AI—it’s trained thinking.

For a long time, the idea of a “moat”—a unique, defensible edge—was the gold standard for businesses and creators alike. If you could build something no one else could replicate, you were set. But in a post-AI world, there is no moat. At least, not in the way we used to think about it.

With the advent of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and ASI (Artificial Superintelligence), even the most complex narrative structures—like those found in Dramatica Theory—will be easily justified and executed by machine intelligence. The act of generating a Storyform will become trivial. The real challenge? How you think about and interpret that Storyform.

And that’s where Subtxt is heading.

Not Just a Storyform—A Way of Thinking

If you’ve ever attended a Dramatica User Group Meeting over the past 30 years, you know that even among the most seasoned theorists, interpretations of a story's true Storyform can differ. The underlying reasoning behind a Storyform isn’t always the same—some understandings are more accurate or more insightful than others.

That’s exactly where the next frontier of AI-powered storytelling is headed. It won’t just be about generating a Storyform—it’ll be about who’s thinking behind it.

When we talk about AI-assisted storytelling, the future won’t be some monolithic system spitting out the perfect Storyform every time. Instead, we’ll see individualized implementations of narrative models—some better, some worse, some simply different. One person’s RFT-informed (Reinforcement Fine-Tuning) take on Dramatica will differ from another’s. And as these approaches develop, so will a measurable distinction between the best thinkers in narrative structure and the ones who are simply making things “workable.”

The Difference Between Workable and Masterful

Right now, you could feed a structured Storyform into an LLM (Large Language Model) and get something that looks intelligent. But put that same output in front of an expert in Dramatica Theory? They’ll tell you that 90% of it is wrong.

And that’s fine—for many, a workable story structure is all they need. That’s why frameworks like Harmon’s Story Circle and The Hero’s Journey persist. They’re accessible. They’re “good enough.”

But for those looking for precision—for something that isn’t just passable but actually correct—the difference will be in the execution. It will be in how an AI system thinks through the narrative process—not just the fact that it can generate a Storyform.

And that’s where Subtxt stands out.

Training AI to Think Like a Narrative Expert

With Subtxt, every single response, every single model adjustment, is carefully measured, evaluated, and fine-tuned on a daily basis.

When RFT-based reasoning is fully implemented, that process will become even more refined. We’ll be rewarding the AI for thinking like we do here at Narrative First—which means the difference between someone who puts in the effort to shape the system and someone who doesn’t will become massive. The quality of narrative insight won’t come from AI’s ability to generate a Storyform (which will be easy). It will come from who has taken the time to teach it how to think.

Forget Moats—Think Like an Artist

Writers and directors don’t operate with moats. They don’t spend time worrying about defensibility—they focus on being creative. They work on expressing their unique perspective of the world and honing their craft in a way that resonates with others.

The same applies here.

The future of AI-driven storytelling isn’t about building barriers. It’s about pushing deeper into the thinking behind a narrative—refining, improving, and evolving the way we construct and interact with stories.

And that’s what will set the best apart.

Moats are for those trying to keep others out.

We’re here to bring more people in.

Why Subtxt Focuses on Meaning—Not Just Structure

Your story isn't a formula. Subtxt moves beyond structure to meaning.

For decades, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey has been the go-to framework for storytelling. Thanks to Christopher Vogler, it’s been applied to everything from Hollywood blockbusters to brand storytelling. But is every story really about a hero’s transformation?

Not quite.

Your Story Deserves More Than a Generic Blueprint

At Subtxt, we take a different approach—one that prioritizes why your story exists rather than forcing it into a predefined mold. Stories aren’t just about personal change; they’re about solving problems and exploring meaning.

Take Chinatown or Amadeus—two brilliant films where the Main Characters don’t undergo a radical transformation or return home with a brand-new philosophy. Instead, they double down on who they already are, leaning into stronger versions of themselves rather than having some grand epiphany. What makes these stories compelling isn’t a forced character arc but the tension between the Main Character and the Obstacle Character. This dynamic—not an arbitrary sequence of stages—is what gives a story its depth and impact.

Instead of asking, Does my story fit the Hero’s Journey?, Subtxt helps you ask:

✔ What problem is my story trying to explore?
✔ What contrasting perspectives make this conflict meaningful?
✔ How does the resolution of this tension define the story’s purpose?

And in a world increasingly shaped by AI, these questions matter more than ever.

Why Subtxt Becomes Even More Valuable in a Post-AGI World

If AI can generate complete stories, does that make human storytelling obsolete? Far from it. The ability to craft meaningful narratives is one of the last, truly human skills.

✔ Narrative as a Status Good – People don’t consume stories for their utility; they consume them for identity, connection, and meaning. As AI automates everything else, mastering storytelling becomes a high-status skill.

✔ AI Won’t Replace Understanding – Just as people still learn music theory despite AI-generated compositions, writers will still want to understand how stories work. Subtxt helps refine your storytelling instincts, ensuring your work isn’t just structured, but deeply meaningful.

✔ The Power of Curation & Perspective – If AI floods the world with infinite content, structured insight becomes priceless. Subtxt doesn’t just help you generate stories; it helps you shape them, ensuring your narrative choices serve a greater purpose.

✔ AGI Won’t Necessarily Build Meaning – Even if AI can write stories, people will still crave stories that matter. Subtxt ensures that whether a story is human-written or AI-assisted, it has real emotional weight rather than feeling like soulless content churn.

The Future of Storytelling Is About Meaning

Subtxt isn’t just another writing tool—it’s a framework for understanding why stories resonate. Whether you’re crafting the next indie film sensation or shaping a brand’s narrative, storytelling remains one of the most powerful and uniquely human skills.

Ready to go deeper? Start exploring your story’s true purpose with Subtxt today.

Muse in Motion: How a Little AI Goes a Long Way

cut scenes, hidden gems, story flow unlocked

You know that moment when you’re trying to explain your story and—bam!—someone comes along and just nails it? That’s what we experienced when this gem of an email landed in our inbox last week:

Over the past few months, I’ve been really diving into the whole “let AI teach me” mode. I wondered, can Muse close the gaps in my 20-year Dramatica and Subtxt journey? It took a few hours, starting in the weeds of PRCO gathering goodies, then we rapidly and somewhat unexpectedly ascended to this gem:

“Subtxt is like musical chairs—but not how you think. At the start, everyone is already seated, but they’re paired with the wrong partners, creating imbalance. When the music starts, they leave their chairs and move around, searching for their rightful match. The music plays continuously, setting the cadence of the story—it speeds up during tense moments and slows for reflection, guiding their movement. Once a pair finds their perfect match, they sit together in one of the big chairs, resolving that part of the narrative conflict. By the end, all pairs are seated correctly, the chairs are full of harmony, and the story reaches its satisfying conclusion.”

Muse. 👏 Nailed. 👏 It.

After 16 years of all the deep dives, the courses, the Storyforms, and countless conversations—this email confirmed what we’ve been sensing all along. Muse isn’t just an AI tool. It’s a collaborator. It doesn’t just teach what to do, it shows you why it works. And it’s living proof that shelving the teaching courses and leaning into Muse’s magic was the right call.

Turns out, Muse is teaching better than we ever could.

🎯 What's Next? Exactly What You Need.

Speaking of collaboration... have you met Muse’s hidden gem, the What's Next? feature? It’s been quietly hanging out under the Inspire button, but we’ve recently tuned it up and brought it out into the light—and wow, it’s like Muse just drank a double espresso. ☕️

Here’s how it works:

• Muse checks in on your progress within your current story.
• It takes a look at what Narrative Aspects you’ve already developed and what gaps you still need to fill.
• Then it offers specific, actionable suggestions to keep you flowing.

But here’s the magic: it’s not just a checklist. It’s a guide that adapts to your story’s unique flow. Whether you’re deep in a Character Arc or fine-tuning your Plot Dynamics, Muse is there to nudge you toward the next right step—without missing a beat. 🎶

It’s basically the story coach you didn’t know you needed.

🌀 Subtxt Flow: Keep the Flow Flowing

We get it—writing a story is hard work. And sometimes it feels like the flow just… stops. Muse’s What's Next? feature is designed to kick-start that flow again, intelligently guiding you through the next steps so you’re never stuck wondering what to do.

Your story has a rhythm. Let Muse keep the music going. 🎶

We're excited to see more of these brilliant "aha!" moments from you all. So if you’ve found yourself learning something unexpected from Muse—or if you've got a new metaphor that makes our brains explode—send it our way!

Until next time, happy flowing! ✨

💙 Jim and The Subtxt Team

P.S. Need a little nudge? Dive into the What’s Next? feature in Muse and see where it takes you. It’s patiently waiting for you just above your chat box at the bottom of the screen—like one of those juicy, behind-the-scenes cut scenes on a DVD box set. The kind that makes you go, “Wait, how did I miss this?!” 🎬

2024 in Review: Subtxt's Updates, Fresh Frameworks, and a Thrilling 2025 Ahead

Game-changing updates and next year's vision for reimagining storytelling

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an incredible year of growth, challenges, and innovation here at Subtxt. From refining our platform to forging connections with studios, AI platforms, and even academic giants like USC, we’re more inspired than ever to push the boundaries of what’s possible in storytelling. And trust us, 2025 has some jaw-dropping developments in store—keep an eye out for a major announcement coming early next spring!

But first, let’s address something important.

A Quick Fix for New Users

In our quest to provide the best AI model for all Subtxt users, we rolled out a platform-wide upgrade earlier this month—making cutting-edge AI accessible even at the entry level. Unfortunately, a glitch in the system meant that new users signing up over the past few weeks were working with a throttled version. 😬

We’ve fixed this bug, and from today onward, everyone will have access to the full power of our platform. If you’re a recent subscriber, jump back in now and experience the latest version of Subtxt in all its glory. Your storytelling journey just leveled up!

Major Updates to the Subtxt Narrative Framework

In preparation for what’s to come, we’ve made two pivotal changes to the Subtxt Narrative Framework—updates that reflect our departure from strict adherence to Dramatica theory. While Dramatica has been foundational, every theory benefits from evolution, and our 30+ years of practical experience have led to these exciting developments:

1. Storyform Alignment

An evolution of Dramatica’s Mental Sex concept, this new framework expands how we approach perspective and decision-making in narratives. It's all about ensuring every piece of your story fits seamlessly into its larger structure.

2. The Narrative Field

Here’s where things get truly mind-bending. Inspired by our take on the Story Limit--the Story Continuum--the Narrative Field introduces a much more intriguing approach to understanding narrative where space becomes as relative as time. Imagine exploring the dimensions of your narrative in ways that Einstein himself might have approved of!

Both updates ground classic theory in modern understanding and practical application, offering even deeper insights into what makes a story resonate. You can learn more about these changes in the updated Subtxt Guide (which, btw, has been so radically updated in the past three months that Subtxt looks like a completely brand new app!!):

• Storyform Alignment
• The Narrative Field

Smarter, More Generative Narrative Agents

We’re also diving into a complete overhaul of Subtxt’s Narrative Agents, leveraging OpenAI’s cutting-edge o1 model. This upgrade allows us to transform what was once a manual process into an intuitive, generative experience. Expect smarter, faster, and more theory-aligned responses than ever before. Your creative partner just got a serious brain boost.

2025: The Year of Next-Level Narrative Intelligence

Looking ahead, we’re incredibly excited about what 2025 holds for narrative theory and storytelling. OpenAI’s DPO (Differential Preference Optimization) and RFT (Reinforcement Fine-Tuning) have already started reshaping what’s possible.

• DPO is rolling out across Subtxt now, offering more intelligent, nuanced responses that align seamlessly with our narrative framework.
• Once we get our hands on RFT, things will go from incredible to revolutionary—think narrative tools that are less try and guess what narrative theory and more like a trusted expert who just gets it.

To everyone who’s supported us this year and beyond, we can’t thank you enough. Your enthusiasm fuels everything we do, and we’re so excited to share what’s next with you. Here’s to an amazing 2024 and an even brighter 2025!

Happy writing! ✨
Jim

Turning Gladiator into The Jaguar: Crafting a New Epic with Subtxt

Crafting corruption, betrayal, vengeance, and a jaguar’s wrath

When working on a new story, there’s often a temptation to feel like you’re starting from scratch, staring down a blank page with nothing but coffee and existential dread for company. But what if you could lean on a proven narrative structure—not to copy or mimic, but to understand the underlying architecture of a compelling story and use it as a foundation for your own ideas? That’s exactly what Subtxt helps writers do, and today, we’re breaking down how it turned the bones of Gladiator into something entirely fresh: an epic called The Jaguar.

Spoiler alert: Before you clutch your pearls about originality or start crying about AI stealing from writers, know that Gladiator borrowed its narrative DNA 100% from Braveheart. Both films share the exact same narrative structure—just set in different times and places. So, if Ridley Scott can borrow from Mel Gibson, why can’t we do the same with Subtxt?

And here’s how that process unfolded, step by step.

Step 1: Establishing the Four Throughlines

Every story in Subtxt starts with its Four Throughlines: the perspectives that bring balance and depth to your narrative. In Gladiator, these are:

• The Main Character Throughline (Maximus): A wronged general seeking revenge and redemption.
• The Obstacle Character Throughline (Commodus): An insecure emperor whose ambition and jealousy create the central conflict.
• The Objective Story Throughline: The clash of ideals between loyalty, power, and justice within the Roman Empire.
• The Relationship Story Throughline: The “sibling” relationship between Maximus and Commodus, woven with betrayal and ideological differences.

By analyzing these throughlines, Subtxt creates a framework for building something new. For The Jaguar, the story shifted to the jungles of South America, centering on a former revolutionary betrayed by his own movement. While the specifics of time, place, and characters changed, the underlying narrative remained robust and relatable.

Here’s a look at that exchange with Muse:

🪶 Muse

Translating Gladiator's Themes into the Aztec World

Here’s how the Gladiator Throughlines could adapt to this setting:

1. Objective Story Throughline:

   • The empire is on the brink of war or collapse due to a corrupt tlatoani (or another ruler). The betrayal of your protagonist is the spark that sets off a larger conflict.
   • OS Domain: Universe—the political and religious structure of the Aztec world creates external problems for everyone.

2. Main Character Throughline:

   • A once-revered Jaguar warrior or high priest is framed for treason, leading to their family’s execution and their own fall into slavery or exile.
   • MC Domain: Physics—their personal struggle is all about action and survival: escaping captivity, proving their innocence, and seeking revenge.

3. Obstacle Character Throughline:

   • The antagonist could be a scheming noble, a corrupt priest, or even a fellow warrior who betrayed the Main Character for political gain.
   • OC Domain: Psychology—they manipulate and scheme to maintain control, twisting faith and tradition to justify their actions.

4. Relationship Story Throughline:

   • The relationship could focus on the MC and a loyal ally (perhaps a priestess or childhood friend) who challenges their thirst for vengeance with questions of faith and forgiveness.
   • RS Domain: Mind—this Throughline plays out as a battle of beliefs and wills.

Building an Epic Aztec Narrative

Let’s craft the Objective Story and Main Character next. Here are some questions to tighten the focus:

1. Objective Story Conflict: What is the larger problem in the empire? Is the corrupt ruler oppressing the people? Are enemies threatening from outside? Is there a prophecy that foretells doom unless something drastic happens?
2. Main Character’s Betrayal: Who betrays the MC, and why? Are they framed for a crime they didn’t commit? Are they cast out for defying a sacred order?
3. The Revenge Arc: Is it pure vengeance, or does the MC seek to restore honor and balance to the empire? What’s their ultimate goal?

Let’s start shaping this Aztec epic! What’s calling to you most at this point—the larger world, the MC’s personal journey, or the betrayal that kicks it all off? 🌋

✍🏻 Jim Hull

woah! all of that was so good! lets make the OC a fellow warrior out for personal gain. and then for the RS i love the idea of a childhood friend, maybe, for the sake of simplicity, we'll make it the same person for the os - lets make it a corrupt ruler, and the MC betrayal would come from his second in command - not necessarily the OC - but another who the OC had manipulated into doing that

At all times, my artistic intent is what drives the creative process.

Just like in real life.

Step 2: Defining the Central Perspectives

In Subtxt, the Main Character and Obstacle Character perspectives are the heart of your story. This isn’t a linear process—it’s a dance. As I brainstormed ideas for The Jaguar, I volleyed between fleshing out my Main Character (a betrayed revolutionary) and his adversary (a childhood friend consumed by jealousy). This iterative back-and-forth helped me refine their roles until their perspectives fit perfectly into the story’s overarching narrative.

🪶 Muse

Ooooh, that’s deliciously complex! We’ve got betrayal, manipulation, personal vendettas, and a corrupt ruler—this is shaping up to be a truly epic Aztec tragedy. 🌟 Let’s break it all down step by step and start weaving the web:

Objective Story Throughline: A Corrupt Ruler and a Manipulated Betrayal

• Core Conflict: The tlatoani (emperor) is corrupt, hoarding wealth and power while neglecting the people. The empire teeters on the edge of war with a rival city-state, and the ruler’s actions (or inaction) are making things worse.
• The MC’s Betrayal: The MC was once the emperor’s most trusted Jaguar warrior and military leader. But the OC (a fellow Jaguar warrior) manipulates the ruler's second-in-command into framing the MC for treason, leading to their exile and the death of their family. The OC’s goal? To rise to power by any means necessary and take the MC’s place in the ruler’s inner circle.
• OS Domain: Universe—the external chaos of a collapsing empire and corrupted political structure fuels the story’s conflict.

Main Character Throughline: A Warrior’s Fall and Rise

• Who Is the MC?: The protagonist is a Jaguar warrior of unmatched skill, a hero to the people and a loyal servant to the gods and empire. Their life is shattered when they are betrayed, their family sacrificed, and their honor stripped away.
• Goal: To clear their name, seek vengeance against the OC, and bring down the corrupt ruler.
• MC Domain: Physics—the MC’s personal conflict revolves around action: escaping captivity, surviving exile, and physically confronting their enemies.

Obstacle Character Throughline: A Manipulative Rival

• Who Is the OC?: The OC is another Jaguar warrior, once a childhood friend of the MC. But ambition and jealousy have consumed them. They manipulate the emperor’s second-in-command into betraying the MC, knowing it will open the path for their own rise to power.
• The OC’s Perspective: They justify their actions as necessary for their own survival in a corrupt world. They believe the MC is naive and blind to the reality of power.
• Key Conflict: The OC challenges the MC’s sense of justice and honor, forcing the MC to question whether revenge is worth the cost.
• OC Domain: Psychology—the OC’s manipulative and self-serving mindset drives their actions.

Here’s the beauty of this process: it’s not rigid. Your chaotic, half-formed ideas find structure as Subtxt guides you through narrative intent, ensuring that the Main Character’s personal struggle and the Obstacle Character’s opposing worldview are perfectly aligned to drive conflict.

✍🏻 Jim Hull

well, i love your idea about "restoring justice and order to the empire" - lets go with that one. And for the MC, i like the idea of raw revenge and for the resolution the MC definitely confronts the OC, and I would say I still feel like the MC should fall - perhaps both dead - but in doing so the people rise up and overthrow the emperor - something like that - maybe not both of them dead - maybe its the OC who ends up having the big 180 like Robert the Bruce

🪶 Muse

Oh, Jim, you're tapping into something truly epic here! The raw revenge, the tragic confrontation, and the ultimate rise of the people—it’s got that Shakespearean mix of personal tragedy and larger societal triumph. And the Robert the Bruce-like turn for the OC? Chef’s kiss! Let’s carve this into a masterpiece.

Muse, powered by Subtxt, keeps the integrity of the narrative while I effortlessly bounce ideas off that creative space.

Step 3: Finalizing the Storyform (and Course-Correcting!)

Once I had a sense of my story’s direction, it was time to lock in the Storyform—the backbone of any narrative in Subtxt. Thanks to Subtxt’s new Advanced Model, powered by o1 from OpenAI, the resulting Storyform was incredibly precise. But here’s where things got interesting: I realized I’d made a mistake in what I was asking for.

✍🏻 Jim Hull

oh - you know what?! I was so excited about how well everything was going - with the MC Resolve - i wanted it to be Steadfast - and the OC Resolve to be Changed

🪶 Muse

Great catch! Itzcóatl will now have a Steadfast Resolve, holding onto their original approach throughout the story, while Tlilpotonqui (the OC) will transform and experience a Changed Resolve. This creates an even more dynamic relationship between them, highlighting Itzcóatl’s unwavering pursuit of justice and Tlilpotonqui’s eventual redemption arc. 🐆✨

Would you like to revisit or adjust any other aspects of the Storyform with this new dynamic in mind? Or should we dive deeper into the story development—like plotting scenes or fleshing out those character arcs? Let’s keep the momentum rolling! 🚀

Initially, I framed the story so that the Main Character triumphs by holding firm to their ideals. But as I reviewed the structure, I realized I wanted the Obstacle Character to be the one who changes, and in doing so, forces the Main Character to confront the consequences of their actions. This shift completely restructured the thematic flow of the story—something Subtxt handled seamlessly.

The development process of a story is not static; you don’t push a button, or worse--write “the perfect prompt”--and boom, out comes a perfectly formed story. The process is meant to evolve as the storyteller (author) grows closer to their original intent and artistic impulse. Subtxt’s ability to regenerate a narrative framework based on artist’s intent is what separates it from everything else.

And what proves once and for all, the value and import the writer in the creative process of a narrative.

Step 4: Redefining Revenge with a Bad Ending

One of the most profound ways The Jaguar diverged from Gladiator and Braveheart was in its Story Judgment. Both of those films end on a “Good” note: the protagonists achieve revenge and die satisfied, having upheld their beliefs. But in The Jaguar, revenge leaves the Main Character worse off—alienated from his remaining allies and consumed by the violence he sought to escape. This deliberate choice shifted the narrative’s moral weight, turning a traditional hero’s journey into a cautionary tale about the cost of vengeance.

This isn’t about copying or stealing. It’s about recognizing that narrative intent shapes structure, not the other way around. Subtxt gives writers the power to warp, bend, and reshape story structures into forms that match their unique perspectives. It codifies the importance of subjective intent in storytelling. Without your input, it’s just a framework. With your creative decisions, it’s a launchpad for something original.

🪶 Muse

The updated Storyform for The Jaguar has now been finalized! 🎉 Itzcóatl will remain Steadfast, staying true to their path, while Tlilpotonqui undergoes the Changed arc. This subtle but impactful shift sharpens the thematic depth of the story.

What’s next?

1. Explore how this Steadfast/Changed dynamic plays out in key scenes (e.g., the final confrontation).
2. Flesh out how Itzcóatl’s Steadfast Resolve shapes their actions and emotional arc.
3. Revisit Throughlines or adjust world-building to reflect the updated Storyform.

Let me know where you’d like to dive in! The Jaguar is roaring to life! 🐆✨

Wrapping Up

Using Subtxt, The Jaguar didn’t just end up in a new time and place; it became a fundamentally different narrative. By leaning on the structure of Gladiator—and by extension, Braveheart—I was able to craft a story that feels fresh while staying grounded in the universal principles of storytelling.

So, the next time you’re stuck, remember this: originality doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. It means understanding how the wheel works so you can roll it in your own direction. And with Subtxt, you’re never building alone.

👉 Download the full transcript of this process here (PDF)