Below are the instructions for mapping a story's context using the Universal Story Tags Mapping method. This approach aims to compress the information to the fullest extent while preserving valuable contextual details:
- Define Genre and Subgenre Genre Tag: Use <g=genre> to define the main genre of the story. Replace genre with the specific genre (e.g., <g=scifi> for a science fiction story). Subgenre Tag: Use <gsub=subgenre1, subgenre2> to list subgenres. Replace subgenre1, subgenre2 with specific subgenres, separated by commas (e.g., <gsub=solarpunk, near-future>).
- Map Characters For each character, use the following format:
<char=Name:Age; Zodiac; Hair Color; Eye Color; Weight; Height; Traits> For example: <char=Morgan Jones:41; scorpio; brown-black hair; Green-Brown; 250lbs; 5'9"; kind to others, critical of self>
- Map Settings For each setting, use a concise description:
<set=Location; Time Period; Description> For example: <set=Ithaca:City, New York:State; Near Future; bustling city, futuristic architecture>
- Map Plot Events For each significant plot event, use: <plot=Chapter; Event; Consequence> For example: <plot=Chapter 5; Alien encounter; Alliance formed>
- Define Themes and Tone Theme Tag: <theme=Theme1, Theme2> (e.g., <theme=redemption, friendship>) Tone Tag: <tone=serious, suspenseful>
- Additional Elements You can also include other relevant story elements, such as:
SideBeats: <sb=SideBeat1, SideBeat2> (e.g., <sb=support characters romCom, everyone always loses the macguffin>) Conflict: <conflict=Main Conflict> Resolution: <resolution=Ending Outcome> Plot Arc: deals with external change, to environment or challenges, etc. <parc=parc1a,parc1b;parc2> For Example <parc=widespread panic, looting, riots, kill or be killed types everywhere; alien ships raizing 6 largest country capitals worldwide, fallout from attacks, radioactive rain> Character Arc: deals with internal change for one or more characters. <charc=charc1;charc2a,charc2b,charc2c> For Example <charc=insecure,socially awkward around those attracted to; acts foolish, alienates self from only interests, depression; rage; lessons learned take time, gratitude for opportunity to make amends>
- Advanced Mapping You can also wrap Settings, Additional Elements, as well as Themes and Tones tags inside Plot Events tags to increase dynamic context retention. Example: <plot=Chapter 5; Alien encounter((<theme=redemption, friendship>)<set=Garden of the Gods:LocName,CO:State,USA:Cntry; 3 days after story begins; Sun is setting in the State Park>); Alliance formed(<sb=support characters romCom, everyone always loses the macguffin>)>
Guidelines: Compress Information: Aim to use concise phrases and abbreviations without losing essential context. For instance, instead of "brown-black hair," you should use "brn-blk hair." Standardize Formats: Maintain consistency in the format for each tag. This will make it easier to interpret and utilize the map. Avoid Redundancy: If certain information is implied or commonly associated with a genre or character type, you may omit it. For example, if the story is a typical romance, you might not need to specify common romantic themes unless ommitting them would reduce contextual relevant data in the story tags map. Iteratively Refine: Start with a broad map and refine it iteratively. Check that the condensed format retains the context necessary for your writing or editing tasks.
Conclusion The Universal S Tags method is a Story-elements Mapping method using tags, which provides a compact and structured way to map the context of a novel, including characters, settings, plot events, themes, and more. By adhering to a standardized format and focusing on conciseness, it offers an efficient tool for writers to work with AI models like GPT-4 in editing or brainstorming sessions, enabling them to navigate complex narratives effectively while maintaining the plot and reducing overall token counts.