/storyboard-manager

name: storyboard-manager
description: Assist writers with story planning, character development, plot structuring, chapter writing, timeline tracking, and consistency checking. Use this skill when working with creative writing projects organized in folders containing characters, chapters, story planning documents, and summaries. Trigger this skill for tasks like "Help me develop this character," "Write the next chapter," "Check consistency across my story," or "Track the timeline of events."

Storyboard Manager

Overview

The Storyboard Manager skill equips Claude with specialized knowledge and tools for creative writing workflows. It provides frameworks for character development, story structure patterns, automated timeline tracking, and consistency checking across narrative projects. This skill automatically adapts to various storyboard folder structures while maintaining best practices for novel, screenplay, and serialized fiction writing.

Core Capabilities

The skill provides four main capabilities:

1. Character Development & Management

Support creating deep, consistent character profiles with backstories, arcs, and relationships.

2. Story Planning & Structure

Guide plot development using established frameworks (Three-Act, Hero's Journey, Save the Cat, etc.) and help organize narrative elements.

3. Chapter & Scene Writing

Generate chapter content, scene breakdowns, and dialogue that maintains consistency with established characters and plot.

4. Timeline Tracking & Consistency Checking

Use automated tools to verify chronological consistency, character continuity, and world-building coherence.

Detecting Project Structure

The Storyboard Manager automatically detects and adapts to various folder organizations. Look for these common directory patterns:

**Character folders:** `characters/`, `Characters/`, `cast/`, `Cast/` **Chapter folders:** `chapters/`, `Chapters/`, `scenes/`, `Scenes/`, `story/` **Planning folders:** `story-planning/`, `planning/`, `outline/`, `notes/` **Summary files:** `summary.md`, `README.md`, `overview.md`

When triggered, scan the project root to identify the structure and adjust workflows accordingly. If no standard structure exists, recommend organizing files using the pattern: `characters/`, `chapters/`, `story-planning/`, and `summary.md`.

Workflow Decision Tree

Use this decision tree to determine the appropriate workflow:

User Request
├─ Character-related? ("develop character," "create backstory," "character arc")
│  └─ → Character Development Workflow
│
├─ Planning/Plot? ("outline story," "plan act 2," "plot structure")
│  └─ → Story Planning Workflow
│
├─ Writing content? ("write chapter," "generate scene," "continue story")
│  └─ → Chapter/Scene Writing Workflow
│
└─ Checking/Analysis? ("check consistency," "track timeline," "find contradictions")
   ├─ Timeline? → Use timeline_tracker.py script
   └─ Consistency? → Use consistency_checker.py script

Character Development Workflow

Step 1: Gather Context

Before developing a character, read existing character files to understand:

• Established naming conventions and profile format
• Existing characters and relationships
• Story genre and tone
• Character archetypes already in use

Use the Read tool to examine existing character files in the characters directory.

Step 2: Access Character Development Framework

When detailed character guidance is needed, read `references/character_development.md` which contains:

• Core character elements (personality, motivation, goals)
• Backstory framework (ghost/wound, formative relationships)
• Character arc types (positive change, flat, negative)
• Relationship dynamics
• Voice development techniques
• Consistency guidelines

To efficiently find specific guidance, use Grep to search for relevant sections:

# Example: Find guidance on character arcs
grep -i "character arc" references/character_development.md

Step 3: Develop Character Profile

Create or enhance character profiles with these essential elements:

**Basic Information**

• Name, age, role, physical appearance
• Key personality traits (both positive and negative)

**Background**

• Origin and formative experiences
• Ghost/wound that shapes their behavior
• Key relationships and family dynamics

**Character Arc**

• Starting belief or flaw
• Want vs. Need (external goal vs. internal growth)
• Transformation journey
• End state

**Relationships**

• Connections to other characters
• Dynamic types (ally, rival, mentor, etc.)
• How relationships evolve

**Unique Elements**

• Abilities, skills, or special knowledge
• Secrets or hidden aspects
• Voice/speech patterns
• Character-specific quirks

Step 4: Ensure Consistency

Cross-reference with:

• Existing character profiles (avoid redundancy in roles/traits)
• Story planning documents (ensure alignment with plot needs)
• Summary/overview (match genre and tone)

Step 5: Create or Update File

Write the character profile to `characters/[character-name].md` using markdown format. Match the existing style and structure found in other character files.

Story Planning Workflow

Step 1: Assess Current Planning State

Read existing planning documents to understand:

• Story concept and premise
• Established plot points or outline
• Target audience and genre
• Themes and central questions
• Planned structure (if any)

Look in folders like `story-planning/`, `outline/`, or files like `summary.md`.

Step 2: Access Story Structure Reference

For detailed structural guidance, read `references/story_structures.md` which includes:

• Three-Act Structure
• Hero's Journey (Campbell's Monomyth)
• Save the Cat Beat Sheet
• Character arc templates
• Scene structure components
• Pacing guidelines by genre
• Subplot integration techniques
• Genre-specific structures

Use Grep to find specific frameworks:

# Example: Find Three-Act Structure details
grep -A 20 "Three-Act Structure" ref