Act Outline

Generates annotated XML storyboards with embedded director's notes and generates PNG images of them.

2|Updated Jan 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Deland78/Claude-Writing-Skills --skill act-outline
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Act Outline
Source: https://github.com/Deland78/Claude-Writing-Skills/tree/main/.claude/skills/act-outline
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Deland78/Claude-Writing-Skills --skill act-outline

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) and scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the creation of detailed, chapter-level outlines for each act of a story, ensuring narrative coherence and tracking key story elements.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Per-Act Outlining: Generates a structured outline for a specified act within a story arc.
  • Beat Definition: Defines beat intent, value shifts, and causal dependencies for each chapter.
  • Continuity Tracking: Identifies and lists continuity touchpoints for downstream consistency.
  • Use Case: A novelist can use this Skill to break down a complex act into manageable chapters, ensuring each chapter serves a specific narrative purpose and maintains continuity with the overall story.

Quick Start

Use the act outline skill to generate an outline for act 2 using the story arc file canon/story-arc.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about Act Outline

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I break down a story act into detailed chapter beats?

To break down a story act into chapter beats, generate a detailed outline that defines beat intent, value shifts, and causal dependencies for sequential chapters. This structures each act into manageable narrative units with specific dramatic functions.

What is narrative continuity tracking in scriptwriting?

Narrative continuity tracking in scriptwriting is the process of identifying and listing continuity touchpoints across chapters. It ensures downstream consistency by mapping causal dependencies and character involvement within an act outline.

How do I generate an act outline using a story arc file?

Generate an act outline by providing a story arc file and an act number as input. The system references character profiles and sibling act outlines to produce chapter-level beats with defined value shifts and continuity touchpoints.

Do I need character profiles to outline narrative structure?

Yes, character profiles are referenced when outlining narrative structure to provide context for character involvement. The act outline uses these profiles alongside sibling act outlines to maintain narrative coherence across the story arc.

What's the best way to track value shifts across story chapters?

The best way to track value shifts across story chapters is to generate a structured act outline that defines beat intent and causal dependencies for each chapter. This maps dramatic functions and continuity touchpoints sequentially.

Can I outline a single act without breaking the overall story arc?

Yes, you can outline a specified act independently by providing the act number and story arc file. The process references sibling act outlines to ensure the generated chapter beats maintain narrative coherence within the broader story.