storyboard-manager

The saved excerpt is a snapshot from when this skill was listed. The external source remains the complete and most current version.

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

### Step 3: Develop Ch