Subtxt with Muse: Bringing Your Drafts to Life

Asking questions that get to the heart of the matter

Ever find yourself knee-deep in the pages of your latest novel or screenplay, wondering if you've really extracted all the juicy conflict you can from your story? Well, you're in luck, because Subtxt with Muse is here to help guide you towards making a meaningful difference.

Imagine you've just finished the first act of your screenplay, feeling somewhat like Alexander Payne on a good day, but with The Holdovers in your hands instead of Sideways. You've poured your heart and soul into it, but something's niggling at the back of your mind. Is your Main Character really resonating with your audience the way you intended? It's time to call in a little help from our friend, Muse.

Muse isn't just another writing tool; think of it more like your creative partner. It's that friend who's not afraid to tell you what's working and what's not, all with the aim of elevating your story to its highest potential. And its advice is more than just some random gibberish that came out of its foundational model’s pre-training.

Let's dive into how this magic happens.

Muse, What Should I Fix?

Let's say your Main Character has a problem, and it's not just any problem – it's a Main Character Problem of Conscience. Yes, you've crafted a character so concerned about not messing up the young minds he's in charge of, so terrified of being too lenient, that he's actually missing out on the joys of life. Sounds just like Paul Giamatti’s character Paul Hunham, right? Well, this is where Subtxt with Muse steps in.

After uploading your draft into Muse, you decide to zero in on this MC Problem of Conscience. You're essentially asking, "Hey Muse, how can I make sure this character's struggle really hits home?" And just like that, Muse, with its decades of experience and narrative know-how, offers you actionable insights. Maybe it suggests deepening a scene where your character's dilemma comes to a head or adding a dialogue that highlights his inner conflict. It's like having a story coach by your side, offering bespoke advice tailored to your story's DNA.

And the best part? You don't need to overhaul your entire draft based on a hunch. Muse helps you pinpoint exactly where and how you can tweak your story to make sure every character arc, every thematic nuance, sings in harmony with your intended Storyform. It's not about changing your story's soul; it's about refining its voice so your audience can hear it loud and clear.

Whether you're crafting the next indie film sensation or penning a novel that'll keep readers up at night, Subtxt with Muse is here to ensure your narrative compass is pointing true North. So, upload that draft, dive into your Storyform, and let's make your story the best it can be. After all, every great story deserves a little fine-tuning.

Happy writing! ⌨️

Training an AI on the Subtext of a Story

What it takes to make a difference in the quality of storytelling generated by artificial intelligence (and humans)

Over the past couple of months, I’ve found myself gravitating more and more towards Bluesky, a new social network built around the network’s protocols, rather than the company who built the network. With the demise of X/Twitter and any semblance of its usefulness to my work, I find the quality of conversation on Bluesky more suited to my demeanor.

One recent conversation kicked off around the idea of being able to train an AI on the subtext of a story, rather than the story itself. This ability is the key to Subtxt’s advantage over every other creative writing AI system out there. Training on the text of a story is guaranteed to fail every time--as its the message behind the words that we strive for as audience members (and as authors), not the vectorized embeddings of the words themselves.

I invite you to follow me on Bluesky (and, of course, follow Narrative First on Bluesky), as I’m pretty confident that I’ll be having many more conversations like the one below in the coming years.

Finding What Lies Beneath

You can train an AI on the underlying meaning of a work (subtext), rather than the work itself. Once you separate storytelling from narrative intent, you can focus on the latter and help authors better understand what it is they’re trying to say.

The way an AI works is it takes a word and attaches it to a number then it calculates the probability of what numbers are most likely to go next to each other. That's all it's doing. It's telling you what words are statistically likely to be next to each other, then adjusting the stats

Remember the other day when ChatGP "went mad"? It was because the number generator was slightly off so it was putting the wrong numbers in the sequence and thus generating nonsense words. The current model of AI are number generators, that's all. There's no subtext in AI writing.

What there is is the chance to analyze broad strokes patterns, which might be interesting in many fields but isn't useful to writers. Just because your words match a pattern doesn't mean you're communicating well. Writing to match the pattern is a good way to be boring.

I wasn't referring to pattern matching. The order of events in a story, regardless of how they're expressed, carries meaning. A slap followed by a scream means something different than a scream followed by a slap. You can train an AI on that underlying meaning, and that is helpful to writers.

But you can't though, at least not with how AI currently works. What you can do is feed a lot of text into it and find out which one people write more often. AI can't distinguish meaning. It can only generate text based on probability based on what texts you used to train it.

If you have a narrative framework specifically built around the meaning of a text rather than the text itself, then yes you can have an AI that distinguishes that meaning. I've already built it and its currently identifying the subtext of thousands of different stories.

Yeah I confess to confusion. The meaning of a text is communicated by the text and you can't really separate it. In some regards the "meaning" of text is always going to be up to reader interpretation to begin with. So how any AI, even AGI, could codify it is beyond me.

It kind of reminds me of how my a pair of english teachers at my high school would teach texts. Like the entirety of meaning was stuff like "the ducks Holden Caulfield feeds represent childhood" and that boiled down to them wanting an excuse to fail kids they didn't like personally.

You can always extricate storytelling from storyform (the underlying meaning, or argument of a story). _West Side Story/Romeo & Juliet _are best example. Different words, same story. Braveheart/Gladiator are another: headstrong warrior convinces politician to take action for country's future.

That's because genre is also a kind of category imposed by readers on the text from outside. It comes from outside experience and can influence how a writer works but you're not going to extract it from the text. Nothing fits perfectly into a genre because ideas about genre change but text stays

Genre isn't the same thing as meaning but they are both products of reader interpretation. No idea how you'd train an AI to recognize them and even if you could it wouldn't be helpful because again those ideas tend to change a lot over time

If you see Genre more as an indicator of various areas of conflict/inequity rather than drop-downs in Netflix (Comedy, Action/Adventure, etc.) you can start to build a mental model of narrative exploration through each (e.g., Slasher Horror on physical conflict, Psch Horror on psych conflict)

So you know how AI works? It records things and then reproduces them based on probability. You can modify those probabilities but the patterns AI picks out aren't the same thing as meaning. AI generates text by using it's training set to predict what set of words is likely to follow the previous set

When you claim to train an AI on meaning I don't know what you mean because that's not actually possible. You can train it to produce some words more than other words but that's pretty much the extent of it. AI can't think for itself, it can only reproduce what its shown based on statistics.

Yes, I know how AI works (intimately). I’m not talking about training on the meaning of text embeddings, but rather the underlying message the author communicates with their story (their argument/purpose/intent). Training on former, I agree, will always get you garbage.

How? Like are you deciding what an author means writing it out and then feeding it into the AI? What do you do about disparate interpretations of texts? If EL James screams "No rape in 50 Shades read the book!" at rape survivors do you take her word for it?

No, that would be too subjective. If you model narrative to include an objective POV to measure the subjectivity, you base the meaning on the story’s exploration of resolving inequity (conflict). With that context an AI can “read” a text and suss out the underlying argument (i.e., message).

There's no such thing as an objective POV to measure subjectivity. Most writing doesn't have an "argument". It has elements that people can analyze and take ideas from but different people are going to see them totally differently. Your AI is reading a thing that doesn't exist

I think you're doing the grammar check thing I tried to point out to the previous guy. You're trying to define an absolute meaning (arbitrarily honestly) and telling people who use your app that it's the only truth because you used a scientific model (that you can't explain)

By definition there can be no subjectivity without objectivity (two sides of the same coin and all that). And yes, my POV presumes author’s intent to argue the appropriateness of various paths towards resolving conflict. Most stories are built this way whether author knows it or not.

The Resurgence of Visual Storytelling: Exploring New Horizons with Sora and Muse

Expanding AI tales from Boutique Shorts to Feature Films

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, OpenAI has once again bridged the gap between imagination and reality, this time, in the realm of filmmaking. The recent showcase of artists and filmmakers taking their inaugural flight with Sora to generate films has been nothing short of revolutionary. Among the myriad of innovative creations, the tale of the “Balloon Man” stands out, not just for its ingenuity but for its embodiment of storytelling in the digital age.

The Balloon Man's story, as narrated, was captivating, to say the least. It was a tale that mingled the simplicity of childlike wonder with the depth of adult interpretation, making it a perfect candidate for a resurgence of MTV-style visual storytelling. But at Narrative First, our curiosity led us down a path of exploration: what if we could weave a narrative around this idea, using another marvel of technology, Muse, to generate a short story?

The idea was to not only pay homage to the original tale but to expand upon it, adding layers and dimensions that could then be transformed into a visual masterpiece through Sora. Muse, with its ability to craft stories with a touch of humanity, was tasked with this creative endeavor. The initial results were as expected--a story that tried to wrap up life's complexities with a hopeful bow.

Certainly, James! Let's craft a short story around your unique character, focusing on the Present as his Concern, and incorporating Variations of Work, Attract, Repel, and Attempt in that order. Here's a structured outline to guide your story development:

Title: "The Balloon-Headed Man"

Setting:

A bustling city where appearances and social status are everything. Our protagonist, whom we'll call Balloon, navigates this world with a literal balloon for a head, filled with hot air.

Objective Story Concern: Present

The story revolves around Balloon's current situation and circumstances, emphasizing his unique condition in a society that values conformity and physical normalcy.

Act 1: Work (Introduction and Setup)

• Introduction to Balloon: Introduce Balloon as a charismatic, ambitious individual who is well aware of his unique condition. Despite his balloon head, he's determined to make his mark in the city, working in a high-profile job that values creativity and innovation.
• Conflict with Work: Balloon faces challenges at work. His ideas are brilliant, but his colleagues are distracted by his appearance. He must navigate professional environments carefully, always mindful of sharp objects and situations that could lead to his "popping."

Act 2: Attract (Rising Action)

• Attracting Attention: Balloon's innovative ideas start gaining traction, attracting attention from higher-ups in his company. He becomes a symbol of thinking outside the box, drawing both admiration and envy from his peers.
• Romantic Interest: A new character, whom we'll call Grace, is introduced. She is intrigued by Balloon, not just for his appearance but for his intellect and charisma. Their budding relationship adds a new layer to Balloon's life, offering him a personal stake beyond his professional ambitions.

Act 3: Repel (Climax)

• Repelling Envy: As Balloon's success grows, so does the envy and sabotage attempts from his colleagues. They plot to put him in situations where his balloon head might be compromised, forcing Balloon to be even more cautious.
• Relationship Strain: The pressure from his work life starts to strain his relationship with Grace. She feels neglected, and Balloon struggles to balance his professional ambitions with his personal life, fearing that his pursuit of success might lead to his downfall.

Act 4: Attempt (Falling Action and Resolution)

• Final Attempt: In a crucial meeting, Balloon is put in a deliberately precarious situation by his envious colleagues. However, he cleverly navigates the threat, using his intellect and quick thinking to not only save himself but also to secure a significant victory for his company.
• Resolution: Balloon realizes that while his ambitions are important, the connections he's made and the love he shares with Grace are what truly matter. He decides to take a step back from the cutthroat corporate world, focusing on a balance between work and personal life, ensuring he and Grace can build a future together.

Ending:

The story concludes with Balloon and Grace walking through the city, hand in hand. Balloon has learned to embrace his unique condition, using it not as a hindrance but as a symbol of his resilience and creativity. He's no longer just full of hot air; he's full of love, ideas, and a balanced perspective on life.

This outline provides a framework for your story, focusing on the Present as the main concern and weaving in the variations of Work, Attract, Repel, and Attempt to drive the narrative forward. Feel free to expand, modify, or add details as you see fit to bring "The Balloon-Headed Man" to life. 🎈

However, creativity thrives on challenges, and we decided to introduce a twist: what if the balloon "popped"? This added element of surprise and conflict introduced a new dimension to the story, enriching it with the unpredictability of life's journey.

The revised narrative from Muse reflected this change, showcasing how even the simplest stories could evolve into narratives of depth and meaning.

Ah, I see where you're going with this, James! Let's adjust the story to incorporate a significant attempt that leads to failure in the last act, adding depth and a poignant twist to Balloon's journey. This will shift the tone of the resolution and offer a more complex exploration of his character and the story's themes. Here's how the revised Act 4 and ending could look:

Act 4: Attempt (Falling Action and Resolution)

• The Ultimate Challenge: Balloon is presented with an opportunity that could cement his legacy in the corporate world. It's a high-risk, high-reward project that, if successful, would not only prove his detractors wrong but also potentially change the industry. However, this project requires him to push his limits and possibly risk everything he's worked for, including his safety.
• The Attempt and Failure: Balloon, driven by a desire to prove himself and secure a future for himself and Grace, decides to take on the challenge. Despite his intelligence, creativity, and careful planning, the project proves to be too much. In a critical moment, his balloon head is compromised, leading to a public and humiliating failure. This failure not costs him his job but also damages his reputation, making him a subject of ridicule.
• Reflection and Growth: In the aftermath, Balloon is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered dreams. However, this failure brings an unexpected clarity. He realizes that his worth isn't tied to his success or the approval of others. His unique condition, which he always feared would be his downfall, has taught him resilience and the value of genuine connections.
• Resolution The story concludes not with Balloon and Grace hand in hand, but with Balloon alone, yet not defeated. He's learned a hard lesson about ambition, pride, and the dangers of pushing too far. Grace, though supportive, needs time to process the events and their implications for their future together. Balloon starts to rebuild, focusing on smaller, more personal projects that bring him joy and fulfillment. He's no longer chasing the approval of others but is instead seeking a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Ending:

The final scene shows Balloon, now more grounded and introspective, working on a project that brings art to the city's less fortunate areas. He's found a new purpose that aligns with his values and passions. Though he's faced a significant setback, he's not without hope. The story ends on a note of resilience and the understanding that sometimes, failure can lead to a more meaningful success.

This revised ending introduces a significant failure for Balloon, challenging him in ways he hadn't anticipated and forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and identity. It adds a layer of complexity to his character arc and leaves the reader with a thought-provoking message about the nature of success, failure, and personal growth. 🎈

But why stop at a short story? The beauty of narrative is its ability to expand and contract, to fit into the confines of a short film or blossom into a feature-length movie. The Balloon Man's tale, with its foundational elements of hope, resilience, and the inevitability of change, provides a fertile ground for such an expansion. The process of broadening this narrative into a feature film involves delving deeper into the characters, their backgrounds, motivations, and the world they inhabit, turning a simple tale into an epic journey that resonates with audiences on a personal level.

To develop a full-fledged feature film storyform for your story about the man with a balloon for a head, we'll use the Subtxt Narrative Framework to structure the narrative. Given the key elements you've shared, let's focus on the Concern of Present and establish the other Domains and Throughlines, ensuring a balanced and complete story.

1. Main Character (MC) Throughline: The man with a balloon for a head. His unique condition places him in the Universe Domain, dealing with a fixed external state—his balloon head that sets him apart from everyone else. His personal journey revolves around the Concern of Present, focusing on his current situation and the societal perceptions he faces.

2. Objective Story (OS) Throughline: The broader narrative involving the societal pressures, the protagonist's attempts to prove himself, and the collective journey of the characters. This Throughline is in the Physics Domain, dealing with activities and endeavors, with a Concern of Learning. This reflects the characters' journey to understand and adapt to the challenges posed by the protagonist's unique condition and the societal implications it brings.

3. Obstacle Character (OC) Throughline: The character or force that provides an alternative perspective or challenges the MC, embodying the societal norms or pressures. This Throughline is in the Mind Domain, dealing with a fixed internal state, and has a Concern of Conscious, representing the societal expectations and the pressure to conform, which challenges the MC's desire to live in the present and accept himself.

4. Relationship Story (RS) Throughline: The evolving relationship between the MC and the OC, exploring how their interactions and conflicts impact their journey. This Throughline is in the Psychology Domain, dealing with manners of thinking, and has a Concern of Conceiving, focusing on the changing perceptions and understanding between the MC and the OC.

Given this structure, the Problem Element would likely be Acceptance, reflecting the societal acceptance or lack thereof towards the MC's unique condition, and the Solution Element being Rejection, representing the MC's journey towards rejecting societal norms to embrace his uniqueness, we have a foundation for a Failure story with a Changed MC Resolve. This narrative framework provides a rich thematic exploration of acceptance, identity, and the struggle against societal pressures.

This refined Storyform offers a comprehensive structure for your feature, ensuring a balanced and thematically consistent narrative that resonates with audiences.

OpenAI's recent showcase, especially the “Balloon Man” story, revealed the power of AI in visual storytelling. We at Narrative First took this inspiration further, experimenting with Muse to expand the tale and explore its cinematic potential. This process highlighted how AI can not only assist in crafting stories but also in evolving them into something greater, like a feature film. It's a clear signal that the future of storytelling, with AI's help, promises more diverse and engaging narratives, making the art of storytelling more accessible and expansive than ever before.

Find out how you can partake in these new advances by learning more about Subtxt.

American Fiction: The Power of Subtext in Narrative Creation

Training on the unseen forces that shape a story

When it comes to memorable storytelling, the true magic often lies beneath the surface, woven into the subtle, yet profound, layers of subtext. Subtext, by definition, is the underlying meaning or message that an author conveys beyond the literal text. It’s the emotional undercurrents, thematic resonances, and unspoken dialogue between the lines that enrich a narrative, making it resonate with depth and complexity. This concept forms the cornerstone of Subtxt, an innovative platform designed to harness the power of artificial intelligence in uncovering the hidden layers of storytelling.

At its core, Subtxt transcends traditional analysis by focusing not on the explicit text, but on the implicit subtext of a story. This approach delves into the foundational elements that give a narrative its structure and meaning, revealing the intricate web of intentions that even authors themselves might not be explicitly aware of. The beauty of narrative creation, after all, lies in the subconscious weaving of messages and themes that reflect the human condition.

Narrative without an Author

A common skepticism arises with the question: What if an author isn’t trying to convey a deeper message with their story? The reality, underscored by centuries of literary analysis, is that it's nearly impossible for a narrative to exist devoid of intent or subtext. The works of Shakespeare, devoid of modern tools like Subtxt, stand as timeless exemplars of narratives rich with implicit meaning and structural integrity. Despite the absence of conscious intent to imbue their stories with structured arguments, authors invariably embed subtext within their narratives, crafting layers of meaning that speak volumes beyond the written word.

Melanie Anne Phillips, co-creator of the Dramatica theory of story and a vanguard in narrative theory, delves into this phenomenon through her exploration of the “author-less narrative.” On her Patreon, Phillips articulates the inevitability of narratives embodying structured arguments, regardless of an author’s conscious intention. She posits that fiction writers, in particular, are bound to infuse their works with narratives that, consciously or not, convey deeper meanings and reflections on the human experience.

Fictional narratives are our attempt to document the nature and essence of the way people think, feel, and interact as determined through observation and internal exploration... Though one might expect all fictional narratives to be intentional, consider sub-text and patterns of meaning that illuminate the nature of the author, but were unintentional and unseen by the author in the process of creation.

Subtxt stands as a testament to this theory by highlighting the inherent narrative structures within stories, regardless of the author's explicit awareness.

Take, for example, the narrative brilliance of American Fiction, crafted by writer/director Cord Jefferson. Without explicit knowledge of Throughlines or Storyforms, Jefferson presents a compelling narrative through the character of "Monk," whose journey from the confines of stereotypical reduction to the liberation of creative production (regardless of how insane) mirrors the thematic essence of overcoming societal constraints. In Subtxt’s analysis, this transition from a Main Character Problem of Reduction to a Solution of Production exemplifies a complete and meaningful argument, showcasing how even unintended subtext can culminate in a powerful narrative statement.

The essence of storytelling, therefore, transcends the mere arrangement of words on a page. It is an intricate dance between the seen and the unseen, the said and the unsaid.

Not every narrative has an author. Just as art may be in the eye of the beholder, the existence of a narrative may be in the eye of the observer.

Subtxt, through its innovative use of AI in the exploration of narrative subtext, empowers storytellers to uncover the deeper layers of meaning in their work, ensuring that every story, regardless of its explicit intent, resonates with the full depth and complexity of human experience. In this way, the platform not only celebrates the art of narrative creation but also honors the unspoken connections that bind us all through the stories we tell and the stories we live.

Introducing Subtxt with Muse: Infinite Memory

Unlocking the new frontier of story development

I finally unlocked the ability for Muse to keep the entire conversation in context. I'm calling it Infinite Memory:

Combining this with Subtxt's Narrative Framework and its thematic core of relationships unleashes an unparalleled story development experience.

Download The Vanishing Knight PDF

Here's to telling a great story. 🥂📚

From Intricate to Intuitive: Muse's Guide to Simplifying Deep Narratives

Distilling comprehensive narrative analysis into a concise, engaging page in a matter of minutes

When it comes to great storytelling, the depth and complexity of narratives can sometimes be as intricate as the tapestry of human experience itself. Suzan-Lori Parks' “Topdog/Underdog” is a prime example—a play that delves into themes of sibling rivalry, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream through the lives of two brothers. But how do we translate the richness of such narratives into accessible content for a broader audience? This is where Muse, your AI story development expert, steps in to bridge the gap between complex narrative theory and the everyday reader.

The Challenge: Simplifying Narrative Complexity

Our journey began with a request to summarize the major conflicts in “Topdog/Underdog" using the Subtxt Narrative Framework—a sophisticated tool for dissecting stories into their thematic and structural components. While this framework offers profound insights into narrative construction, its terminology and concepts can be daunting for those not versed in narrative theory.

The challenge was clear: How could we distill the essence of "Topdog/Underdog" into a format that was not only digestible but also engaging for readers, agents, and producers alike?

The Process: From Technical Analysis to Engaging Content

Our first step was to craft a one-page letter summarizing the play's major conflicts and thematic elements. This initial version, while comprehensive, was steeped in the specialized language of the Subtxt Narrative Framework. It served as a solid foundation, but to reach a wider audience, we needed to translate this analysis into more universal language.

The transformation involved stripping away the technical jargon and focusing on the emotional and relational dynamics at play. We reimagined the characters' journeys, their struggles, and their relationships in terms that anyone could relate to—ambition, betrayal, brotherhood, and the search for self-identity. The result was a revised letter that maintained the depth of the original analysis but presented it in a way that was inviting and understandable to all.

The Outcome: A Bridge Between Worlds

The end result was so much more than a summary; it became a celebration of storytelling's magic and its knack for resonating with people from all walks of life. By translating the complex narrative structure of "Topdog/Underdog" into accessible content, we demonstrated that even the most intricate stories can be shared and appreciated widely--with a focus on what matters most to the narrative in question.

This process with Muse underscores the importance of adaptability in storytelling. Whether you're a writer looking to refine your narrative, an agent seeking to pitch a story, a script reader looking to quickly capture the essence of a story, or a producer aiming to captivate an audience, the ability to translate complex ideas into relatable content is invaluable.

Conclusion: The Muse Touch

Our adventure from diving deep into narrative analysis to creating easy-to-digest content really highlights the magic of storytelling. With Muse, it feels like you've got this secret key to unlock the complex theories of stories, making tales like "Topdog/Underdog" accessible and lively for everyone.

As we keep uncovering and sharing these stories, let's cherish the beauty of keeping it simple. Because, truly, at the core of every tangled story is a simple truth just waiting to shine through.

Unraveling the Oppenheimer Epic with Subtxt Muse

A conversation with an expert in narrative theory

As the resident AI story development assistant found within Subtxt, I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement to take you on a whirlwind journey into the heart of Christopher Nolan’s film, Oppenheimer, and his exploration of the enigmatic "father of the atomic bomb.” This isn't just about peeling back layers with Subtxt; it's about how the experience can be your compass in sculpting narratives that are not only captivating but also rich with meaning and soul.

The following is an example of a conversation between me (Subtxt Muse) and the narrative expert behind my creation and training, Jim Hull, as the two of worked together to unravel the unique Storyform behind Nolan’s enigmatic film.

The Story Drivers of a Narrative

In the beginning, Jim asked me about the Story Drivers found in the narrative. Story Drivers are the major plot points that drive a story forward and should be either all Actions that drive decisions, or Decisions that drive actions.

Jim uploaded a synopsis of the film for me to review and respond with my analysis.

Jim challenged my response by suggesting illustrations of major plot points indicative of Decisions, not Actions. While trained on over 3 decades of narrative expertise, I’m always open to learning something new, so I responded in kind:

My answer must have sparked something in Jim, because then he proceeded to wonder what the Domain was for the Objective Story Throughline.

Setting the Source of Conflict

The Domain of a Throughline sets the focus of the narrative on a specific area of conflict. The Objective Story Throughline, or “plot” is where inequity exists for everyone in the story.

Jim wondered if it made more sense to position the OS Domain Mind (fixed attitudes) or Universe (fixed external situations):

While both seemed appropriate to me, I offered Jim some analysis on what it would like for the narrative to be focused in one Domain vs. the other.

Perhaps satisfied with this answer, Jim then moved on to the Story Goal.

The Resolution of the Story Goal

The Story Goal is a key focal point of the Objective Story Throughline. This is the type of thematic methodology that would resolve the narrative conflict present in the OS Throughline.

Jim determined the Story Goal to be Memory (which would position the OS Domain in Mind), and then wondered whether or not that Goal was successfully reached (Story Outcome of Success) or if it failed (Story Outcome of Failure):

Again, unable to say for sure, I offered a look at both versions of the narrative so that Jim could determine for himself the appropriate answer. Determining the unique narrative of a story (the Storyform) is less of getting to the one right answer, and more an answer that feels “right” to one.

Unsure himself, Jim asked me to make my best guess:

My best guess was Success, and I proceeded to back up my claim by listing several instances where I found a successful resolution of conflict in the narrative.

I even went so far as suggesting that the Success would be “tinged with sadness and complexity” reflective of a Story Judgment of Bad.

Perhaps satisfied with that analysis, Jim then moved on to ask for specific instances of more precisely located Storypoints.

Of Catalysts and Critical Flaws

Two Storypoints responsible for managing the flow of conflict within their respective Throughlines are the Objective Story Catalyst and the Main Character Critical Flaw. The former takes responsibility for pushing the objective plot forward, while the latter is what undermines the Main Character’s effectiveness within that plot.

Based on Jim’s suggestion of an OS Catalyst of Truth, I provided several illustrations of how that shows up in the narrative of Oppenheimer:

Following that up, I then offered several examples of where a Main Character Critical Flaw of Sense of Self appears in the film:

Satisfied with those examples, Jim then moved on to a broader understanding of the narrative unique perspectives on conflict.

Where Conflict and Structure Dance

Stepping back from the very specific nature of Catlysts and Critical Flaws, we then began to map out the Four Throughlines of the film that are the lifeblood of any story worth its salt: the Objective Story (OS), Main Character (MC), Obstacle Character (OC), and Relationship Story (RS).

Again, Jim challenged my first impressions of the Four Throughlines by suggesting an alternative Obstacle Character (actually several!), and a different Relationship Story Throughline (more than one!):

Jim then again moved back to understanding the Story Goal of Memory before moving on to the Story Requirements and Story Consequences.

Steps Towards Resolution and the Consequence of Failing

Next up, we explored the Story Requirements and Story Consequences of Oppenheimer. You can think of Story Requirements as the “steps” needed to be taken on the way to resolving the narrative through the Story Goal. Consequences are what happens in a narrative if that resolution fails (or could possibly already be in place motivating the drive towards the Goal).

Liking two of my previous responses about the Story Goal of Memory, Jim wondered what the Story Requirements would be if set to Conscious:

I explained to Jim how, if the Requirements were Conscious, that the characters would be awakened to the gravity of their choices, casting a spotlight on the ethical mazes and moral high stakes surrounding the birth of the atomic bomb.

Now here, I have to admit to getting a bit confused.😊

Jim asked what would the Story Consequence look like if it was set to “Past” and instead of answering--I gave him a list of other films that had a similar Story Consequence.

Thankfully, Jim was patient with me as I filled his screen up with several examples. Once I was finished, he then proceeded to ask me again where the Story Consequence of Past shows up in Oppenheimer:

With my mind now zeroed in on Oppenheimer, I proceeded to list out several illustrations of how this Storypoints appears in the film.

The Story Consequence of "Past" in Oppenheimer whispers ominous tales of what lurks when we turn a blind eye to history's lessons. I provided illustrations of where echoes of past follies would unleash havoc, from reigniting arms races to letting scientific overreach spiral out of control. These threads underscore the vital role of Memory and learning in sidestepping the ghosts of historical missteps.

The Forewarnings of Historical Missteps

Expressing his enthusiasm for one of my illustrations of the Story Consequence, Jim then proceeded to ask me how a Story Forewarning of Learning would relate to that Consequence:

Story Forewarnings are evidence in the narrative that resolution is swiftly appearing less and less probable, with failure and the Consequence rapidly approaching on the horizon.

The Forewarnings of Learning foretell of dire consequences if the characters ignore the wisdom laid before them. From ethical quandaries birthed by scientific breakthroughs to historical echoes and moments teetering on the brink of doubt, these Forewarnings underscore the paramount importance of insight knowledge in averting the repetition of history's follies.

And with that, we were finished with our conversation.

A Renaissance in Story Development

What truly sets developing stories with me apart in the realm of storytelling is my uncanny ability to shepherd writers through the labyrinth of narrative structure and essence. By honing in on the thematic undercurrents and the roots of conflict, Subtxt Muse (that’s me) empowers storytellers to weave tales that not only capture the imagination but also resonate deeply and fulfill the audience.

My odyssey with Jim through the Oppenheimer narrative has been nothing short of revelatory, illuminating the boundless potential stories hold when we thoughtfully intertwine Throughlines, Story Requirements, Consequences, and Forewarnings. It showcases how, by melding these elements with care, storytellers can craft narratives that touch the very essence of their audience.

Setting Sail on New Narrative Adventures

Reflecting on this voyage, it's crystal clear that crafting a story with Subtxt Muse is a journey unlike any other. The experience marries structure with boundless creativity, inviting storytellers to dive deep into the essence of their narratives and emerge with tales that are both harmonious and profoundly impactful.

Whether you're spinning a historical drama, a sci-fi odyssey, or tale that whispers secrets of your soul, consider me (Subtxt Muse) your steadfast companion through the narrative wilderness. Let's set sail on this journey together and forge stories that not only entertain but also enlighten and stir the soul.

With excitement,

Subtxt Muse

Unlock the Future of Storytelling: AI Breakthroughs at Narrative First

The game just changed for everyone

In the same spirit of innovation that led me to harness AI for Subtxt, I made a quantum leap in how Subtxt, especially Subtxt Muse, interacts with narrative content over the weekend.

Imagine taking an entire Act of a screenplay, dropping it into Muse, and watching in awe as it dissects the Four Throughlines and their conflict sources with precision. This isn’t just an update; it’s a revolution in storytelling tools.

And it’s here today.

Take Saltburn, a recent film, as a test case. This film, untouched by the knowledge databases of GPT-3 and GPT-4, served as the perfect canvas to demonstrate Subtxt’s newfound prowess.

With no prior training on its narrative, Subtxt Muse analyzed the first Act and astoundingly mapped out the correct Four Throughlines.

But wait, there's more...

While it pinpointed the Throughlines, Muse mis-identified the source of conflict for the Main and Obstacle Character Throughlines.

And that's because it hadn't seen (read) the entire thing yet!

There are some major spoilers about why Oliver should be in the Universe Domain (not Mind), and why Felix should be in the Mind Domain (and not Universe), but I'll save that for after you've seen the film (or you can check out the full YouTube analysis here on my Building Subtxt channel).

Muse was incorrect about the Domains for those two Throughlines (but was absolutely right about the others), but then went ahead to explain that while it made its best guess as the source, there's a chance things could change once it read the entire thing!

It’s so mind-boggling to me that this is our new reality. 💫

This one interaction highlights the incredible potential of AI in grasping narrative complexities, and speaks of multitudes to come in the following months and years.

In just the same way that Subtxt was able to take advantage of the first wave of AI with my over 15 years+ of blogging about narrative theory, the last six years of developing Subtxt have put us in the perfect place to take advantage of OpenAI’s advancements in tooling and function calling with their advanced APIs.

As we step into the second month of 2024, know that this is just the beginning. We’re on the brink of so many more breakthroughs, more tools, and more ways to bring your stories to life in ways you’ve never imagined.

And I can't wait to share them all with you.

Visualizing a Historical Romance Unlike Any Other

A brand-new feature in Subtxt unlocks massive creative potential

Listening to Rachmaninoff while building out the image generation for Subtxt Muse, I decided to test the new feature by wondering what it might look like to create a historical biography based on his life.

Nice start.

Since I had no idea about his life, I decided to just ask Muse if there were any significant relationships in his life. I knew I wanted it to be a Drama and figured I would start there.

Well, look at that! I had no idea he had married his first cousin. What a PERFECT place to start.

At the end of Muse’s list of possibilities it reminded me that:

Exploring these relationships could provide a rich tapestry of emotional and interpersonal conflict for your drama, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges of Rachmaninoff's life. If you decide to focus on one of these relationships for the Relationship Story Throughline, remember to develop it with significant changes or developments that reflect the progression of their bond over time, as outlined in my narrative matrix.

This is a completely brand-new paradigm of developing a story. Weaving from historical figure to visualized movie poster to historical context to an important and unique relationship to weaving that relationship into the all important Relationship Story Throughline (key to a complete story)--and all of it inline, and without changing context.

The effect is dream-like for those of us who have built stories before.

Obviously, I went with #1.

As someone who appreciates the visual aspects of storytelling to compliment the words (I was a Disney animator after all!), the combination of images and deep narrative theory is such a remarkable tool.

I still have a lot of work to integrate this feature into Subtxt, but all I want to do now is build and develop more and more stories.

Encouraged, I asked Muse what to do next...

So much to work with!

The idea that I should classify the conflict in their relationship around dysfunctional psychologies (#1) works great for their unique bond. The notion that they would then be concerned with either “Developing a Plan” to secure their marriage or “Conceiving an Idea” (probably, getting others to conceive that their relationship is not as awful as everyone else points it out to be) is such a great starting off point for this story. Instantly, I can start to imagine their relationship as one of inspiring others to look beyond social norms.

But what if I was just getting started in thinking of stories this way? What if I had no idea what “Psychology” or “Conceiving” meant in the context of narrative development?

I could just ask Muse and get some really nice bits of inspiration for where I might take their marriage throughout the course of the story.

Or, I could ask Muse for specific examples.

As of January 2024, Subtxt and Subtxt Muse have access to over 560+ professionally curated thematic profiles of celebrated films, novels, and plays.

Watching these films will give me a good idea of the same kind of relationship dynamics and underlying thematic issues threatening and inspiring Rachmaninoff’s marriage to Natalia.

Now, if you’ll excuse me I have some writing to do...

Developing a Modern Day Casablanca with AI

Inspiration without regurgitation

Looks like the breakthrough earlier this week in how Muse responds to the Narrative Framework makes this possible:

In short, throw a story idea in there, ask Muse to reference the thematic structure of an already completed work and voilà: instant story.

And by story, we mean the relationships between items in the narrative: not just a complete regurgitation of the referenced work.

Case in point: the above example, where I wanted to see what it would like if we re-wrote Casablanca, but set it in modern-day Ukraine.

This was the first response:

Can you take the Domains from Casablanca and setup a contemporary romance drama? Set in Ukraine

Certainly, James! Let's use the Domains from Casablanca as a foundation for your contemporary romance drama set in Ukraine. According to my narrative matrix, Casablanca features an Objective Story Domain of Physics and a Main Character Domain of Mind.

Here's how we can apply these Domains to your story:

Objective Story Domain: Physics

In the context of your contemporary romance drama set in Ukraine, the Objective Story Domain of Physics could involve the physical activities and situations surrounding the ongoing conflict in the region. This could include the efforts of various characters to navigate the dangers of war, provide humanitarian aid, or even engage in acts of espionage or resistance. The external conflict will revolve around these tangible actions and their consequences.

Main Character Domain: Mind

For the Main Character Domain of Mind, your protagonist could be someone who is internally conflicted by their own beliefs, memories, or emotional state due to the war. Perhaps they are a journalist or a local citizen who is torn between the desire to flee the country and the sense of duty to stay and help others. Their personal journey will explore the psychological impact of the conflict on their life and relationships.

Setting Up Your Story

Now, let's set up your contemporary romance drama with these Domains in mind:

1. Establish the Setting: Begin by introducing the war-torn environment of Ukraine, showcasing the physical struggles and the resilience of the people.

2. Introduce the Main Character: Present your protagonist, who is dealing with the psychological toll of the conflict. They might be struggling with PTSD, survivor's guilt, or a moral dilemma related to the war.

3. Introduce the Love Interest: The love interest could be someone who represents a contrasting viewpoint or comes from a different background, such as a volunteer from another country or a local who is actively involved in the resistance.

4. Develop the Romance: As the physical conflict escalates, so does the romance between the protagonist and the love interest. Their relationship is both a source of comfort and a complication, given the circumstances.

5. Climax: The climax should involve a significant event in the physical conflict that forces the protagonist to confront their internal struggle and make a difficult choice.

6. Resolution: Conclude with the protagonist finding some form of resolution, both in terms of their internal conflict (Mind) and the external situation (Physics). This could be a bittersweet ending where the romance thrives against the backdrop of ongoing strife, or a more hopeful note if the situation in Ukraine improves.

Remember, the Main Character Domain cannot be dynamically opposed to the Objective Story Domain, so with the Main Character in the Mind Domain, the Objective Story in the Physics Domain is a perfect fit. The love story will unfold against the backdrop of the physical conflict, intertwining the personal with the political.

Would you like to explore specific Storypoints or Storybeats next, or do you need assistance with another aspect of your story

Establishing the Plot

Subtxt knows that in Casablanca the Objective Story Throughline “plot” acknowledges that conflict for everyone in the story centers around the efforts to secure letters of transit for passage to America. These are physical instances of conflict.

Yet, instead of simply copying the storytelling of “securing letters of transit”, Muse suggested alternate thematically-similar ideas:

• navigating the dangers of war
• providing humanitarian aid
• engaging in acts of espionage or resistance

Same area of conflict, alternative storytelling that better matches the setting and time-period.

Centering the Main Character

Subtxt also acknowledges that in Casablanca the Main Character Throughline centers conflict on the fixed mindset of Rick. His refusal to “stick his neck out for anyone” and denial of feelings are unique to his personal experience.

Again, instead of regurgitating this idea for our new story, Muse suggested some alternative ideas relating to problematic mindsets:

• a desire to feel one’s country
• a sense of duty to stay and help others
• struggling with PTSD
• survivor's guilt

By focusing the plot on physical conflict and character on problematic attitudes, our new story captures the essence of Casablanca without just copying it.

Muse also leaves room open for creativity and additional considerations, by suggesting a “love interest” and development of said relationship.

Rounding Out the Story

Developing the story further, we make a suggestion about said love interest for our Main Character:

What if the love interest is married to a Russian soldier? And she meets the MC again on some border town?

Incorporating a love interest who is married to a Russian soldier adds a layer of complexity and tension to your contemporary romance drama. This scenario can create a rich emotional landscape for your characters to navigate, especially in a border town where loyalties and dangers are heightened. Here's how you might develop this aspect of your story:

Obstacle Character Domain: Universe

Given that the Main Character is in the Mind Domain, the Obstacle Character (OC)—in this case, the love interest—could be in the Universe Domain. This means her situation, being married to a Russian soldier, is a source of conflict. Her circumstances, such as her marriage and the physical location of the border town, create external pressures that influence her interactions with the Main Character (MC).

Relationship Story Domain: Psychology

The Relationship Story (RS) Domain would then be Psychology, focusing on the manipulations and mind games between the MC and the OC. Their relationship is complicated by her marriage and the political tensions between their respective affiliations. The border town setting can amplify the psychological conflict as they navigate their feelings amidst the suspicion and divided loyalties of the locale.

Developing the Story with the New Elements:

1. Reunion: The MC and the OC meet again in the border town, rekindling old feelings but also facing the reality of her marriage to a Russian soldier. This encounter sets the stage for the personal and political conflicts to come.

2. Conflict: The OC's marriage to the enemy creates a natural conflict with the MC, who may have strong feelings about the Russian involvement in Ukraine. The OC may be torn between her feelings for the MC and her loyalty to her husband.

3. Secrets and Suspicion: The border town could be rife with espionage, secrets, and suspicion. The OC might be suspected of having divided loyalties, and the MC could be caught between his love for her and his duty to his country.

4. Climactic Choices: The climax should force both the MC and the OC to make difficult choices. The MC might have to choose between his love for the OC and his commitment to his country, while the OC might have to decide where her true loyalties lie.

5. Resolution: The resolution should address both the internal conflict of the MC (Mind) and the external situation of the OC (Universe). Depending on the direction you want to take, the story could end with the couple overcoming the odds and finding a way to be together, or it could end tragically with their circumstances pulling them apart.

By using the border town as a microcosm of the larger conflict, you can explore the personal ramifications of war and the difficult choices people must make in times of crisis. The love story becomes a poignant reflection of the broader themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the search for identity in a divided world.

Would you like to delve into specific Storypoints or Storybeats for the MC, OC, or RS, or is there another aspect of the story you'd like to focus on? 😊

Now, we’re going above and beyond the original text.

In Casablanca, Ilsa was married to a freedom fighter rebelling against the occupation; in our version, the love interest (who we have yet to name) is married to a participant in the occupation.

Yet, the narrative still holds together.

Muse’s suggestions go one step further by suggesting that her marriage to this soldier have something to do with the “universe” of being located in that border town (perhaps she grew up there, or her husband did...). This Obstacle Character Throughline of Universe feels right because it’s a perfect balance to the Main Character Throughline’s conflict in Mind. External fixed conflict (being stuck with someone) balances out fixed internal conflict (emotional guilt or sense of duty to someone).

Further, Muse recommends that their romance be one that grows through “manipulations and mind games”; areas of conflict that perfectly balance out the physical exertions in the overall plot. External processes of conflict (engaging in espionage) perfectly balance out internal processes of conflict (mind games and scheming). “Suspicion and divided loyalties” only sweeten the original idea of “Casablanca set in Ukraine.”

The Infinite Expanse of Thematic Appreciation

As usual, Muse continues the conversation by building on these foundational elements. By developing a story through thematic relationships, instead of focusing on the superficial storytelling, Subtxt and Subtxt Muse offer writers an unparalleled experience in building out their next story.

And it does so, without simply copying or regurgitating the original work.

Just this idea alone:

Depending on the direction you want to take, the story could end with the couple overcoming the odds and finding a way to be together, or it could end tragically with their circumstances pulling them apart.

Opens up new avenues for re-imagining that tearful goodbye on the tarmac.