narratological-algorithms

What this skill does

# Narratological Algorithm Distillation

Transform narrative principles from artists, theorists, and practitioners into formal, implementable algorithmic frameworks.

## Workflow

### 1. Source Classification

Identify source type to calibrate extraction approach:

| Type | Characteristics | Extraction Focus |
|------|-----------------|------------------|
| **Theorist** | Prescriptive texts (McKee, Aristotle) | Direct principle extraction |
| **Practitioner** | Interviews, commentary, production docs | Reverse-engineering from stated methods |
| **Classical** | Ancient/foundational texts (Poetics, Natyasastra) | Translation of archaic terminology |
| **Analyst** | Secondary analysis of creator's work | Validation against primary sources |

### 2. Primary Source Prioritization

Always prioritize **primary sources** over secondary analysis:
- Direct quotes from the creator
- Production documents, interviews, lectures
- The creator's own articulated methodology
- Documented working processes

When using secondary sources, validate principles against primary evidence. Flag where principles are inferred vs. directly stated.

### 3. Principle Extraction Protocol

For each identified principle:

```
EXTRACT:
  1. Locate source statement (direct quote when available)
  2. Identify underlying mechanism (why it works)
  3. Formulate as rule or constraint
  4. Determine scope (universal vs. context-specific)
  5. Map to existing narrative theory where applicable
```

### 4. Document Structure

Generate output following the canonical structure. See [references/output-template.md](references/output-template.md) for the full template.

**Required sections:**
1. Meta-Principles (Axioms)
2. Structural Hierarchy
3. Core Algorithms/Protocols
4. Diagnostic Questions/Tests
5. Quick Reference Card

**Optional sections (as warranted):**
- Episode/Scene Templates
- Theoretical Correspondence Tables
- Source Cross-Reference Appendix

### 5. Formalization Patterns

Convert principles to implementable forms:

| Source Form | Target Form |
|-------------|-------------|
| Conceptual statement | Constraint rule |
| Process description | Pseudocode function |
| Best practice | Validity test |
| Comparison | Decision table |
| Taxonomy | Classification tree |

See [references/formalization-patterns.md](references/formalization-patterns.md) for detailed examples.

### 6. Axiom Identification

Identify 3-7 meta-principles that underpin the creator's entire approach:

```
AXIOM_CRITERIA:
  - Foundational (other principles derive from it)
  - Non-negotiable in the creator's worldview
  - Distinguishes this approach from alternatives
  - Stated explicitly or demonstrated consistently
```

Format axioms with unique identifiers: `[CREATOR_INITIALS]-A[N]`

### 7. Validation Checks

Before finalizing, verify:

- [ ] All principles traceable to source material
- [ ] Pseudocode is syntactically coherent
- [ ] Decision tables have complete coverage
- [ ] Quick reference captures essential operations
- [ ] Diagnostic questions are answerable yes/no
- [ ] Theoretical correspondences are accurate

### 8. Cross-Medium Adaptation Notes

When source material is medium-specific, include adaptation guidance for:
- Film → Television (serialization, episode structure)
- Literature → Interactive (agency, branching)
- Single creator → Collaborative (writers' room dynamics)
- Western → Non-Western theoretical traditions

## Reference Files

- **[references/output-template.md](references/output-template.md)** — Full document structure template
- **[references/formalization-patterns.md](references/formalization-patterns.md)** — Examples of converting prose to algorithms
- **[references/theoretical-correspondences.md](references/theoretical-correspondences.md)** — Mapping table across narrative traditions