The Romantasy Starter Kit

What is the Inciting Incident?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

What are the stakes?

What does the protagonist stand to lose or gain?

How does it disrupt the status quo?

Write the worst-case scenario of what would take place if your protagonist does nothing.

How does your protagonist react?

Compare and contrast their reactions after 5 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week.

What dramatic question does this incident raise?

Complete this sentence: "Will [protagonist] be able to [central goal] before [stakes/consequence]?"

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is Plot Point One?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who is involved?

Consider antagonists, allies, mentors, and bystanders.

What is the state of the central conflict right now?

Consider your protagonist's inner "Should I go or should I not go?" debate in particular. How does it play out?

How do the stakes rise?

What new obstacles or threats might this plot point introduce?

Why is this moment inevitable?

Trace the line backwards from this moment to the very first page of your novel.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

Who are the key players in this stage?

Write a brief status report on each key character at the start of this stage — where they stand, what they want, and what they're not saying.

What is the central conflict of this stage?

What goal is your protagonist pursuing now, and what is standing in their way?

How do the complications escalate?

What does your protagonist try, and what do they get wrong? List them in order.

How does your protagonist change in this stage?

Write a conversation between your protagonist at the start of this stage and your protagonist at the end of it.

What is the state of play by the end of this stage?

Write a newspaper headline and opening paragraph reporting on the situation.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the Midpoint?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

How does the story shift from this moment on?

Consider plot, tone, relationships, and momentum. What has the Midpoint rearranged, and what can no longer be the same?

How does your protagonist change?

What does your protagonist now understand that they didn't before, and what are they still getting wrong?

How is your protagonist doing mentally?

Perform a mental health check-in for your protagonist at this exact moment. Bonus: write it as a doctor's note.

How does the Midpoint escalate the central conflict?

Write the worst-case scenario that is now possible because of the Midpoint.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the All is Lost moment?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who or what is responsible?

Write the scene from another character's point of view.

How did your protagonist get from the Midpoint to here?

List the dominoes in order.

What are the consequences?

Think immediate consequences, but also ripple effects in a year, two years, a decade.

Why does this moment break your protagonist?

And what does it force your protagonist to confront?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is your protagonist's Dark Night of the Soul?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who is your protagonist at this moment?

How different is this person from the protagonist we met in the Exposition?

What is closing in if your protagonist doesn't act?

Write the worst-case scenario if your protagonist stays where they are.

What does your protagonist believe now?

Write a letter your protagonist would write to their earlier self.

What does your protagonist decide at the end of this beat?

How did they arrive at that decision?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the Climax?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

What are the stakes?

Think personal, relational, and thematic.

Who are the key players?

Write another brief status report on them now — where they stand, what they want, and what they're willing to do to get it.

Who does your protagonist become in this moment?

Consider a single action, word, or gesture in the Climax that only your protagonist in their present version could carry out.

How is the dramatic question answered?

Hint: Go back to what you wrote for "What dramatic question does this incident raise?" in your Inciting Incident template.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What does the world resemble post-Climax?

Consider the physical, social, and psychological landscape.

What still needs to be resolved?

Write a list of every promise your novel has made to the reader, and check them off. Which ones are still outstanding?

What is your protagonist's new normal?

Consider their daily life, relationships, and sense of self.

How is the theme resolved or restated?

Think about the central argument your novel has been making from the first page.

What is the final image or impression you leave the reader with?

Is there one that portrays the story's entire journey?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors remain open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors remain closed?

The story is complete!

Go back to the very first beat and read it alongside your Denouement. Does your ending deliver what your opening promised?

What do they consider their greatest achievement?

What is your villain’s greatest victory or accomplishment?

What is their idea of perfect happiness?

What does your villain want most?

What is their current state of mind?

How does your villain feel at the start of the story versus the end?

What is their dream job?

What occupation or role does your villain thrive in, or wish they had?

What is their most treasured possession?

What is the most valuable or sentimental thing to your villain?

Who or what is the greatest love of their life?

Who or what does your villain love or care for most?

What is their favorite journey?

What journey or path does your villain wish they'd taken?

What is their most marked characteristic?

What trait defines your villain above all others?

When and where were they the happiest?

When and where was your villain's happiest moment, and what led to it?

What is it that they dislike the most?

What situation or object brings out the villain’s worst qualities?

What is their greatest fear?

What is the villain desperate to avoid, and what would happen if they failed to avoid it?

What is their greatest extravagance?

What line is your villain willing to cross for power or revenge?

Which living person do they despise the most?

Who does your villain see as their greatest enemy or rival?

What is their greatest regret?

What event or decision does your villain wish they could change?

Which talent would they most like to have?

What skill or ability does your villain wish they possessed?

Where would they like to live?

Where does your villain dream of ruling or making their mark?

What do they regard as the lowest depth of misery?

What does your villain believe is the worst fate they could suffer?

What is the quality they like in a person the most?

What characteristic does the villain believe is necessary for success, and how do they seek it in others?

What is the trait they deplore in themselves the most?

What aspect of themselves does your villain loathe?

What is the trait they deplore in others the most?

What trait in others does your villain detest the most?

What do they value in their friends the most?

What qualities does your villain seek in their allies or followers?

Who is their favorite hero of fiction?

Who in myth or legend does your villain identify with, and why?

Who are their heroes in real life?

Who does the villain believe has achieved greatness, and how does this influence their ambitions?

Which living person do they admire the most?

Who does the villain aspire to be more like, and why?

What do they consider the most overrated virtue?

What moral code does your villain reject or twist?

On what occasions do they lie?

When does your villain lie, and for what purpose?

Which words or phrases do they most overuse?

What expressions does your villain frequently use?

If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be?

What flaw or weakness does the villain wish they could eliminate, but ultimately can’t?

What are their favorite names?

What names hold significance or appeal to your villain?

How would they like to die?

What does your villain envision for their death, or how would they prefer to go out?

If they were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would they like to return as?

If your villain were reincarnated, what would they return as?

What is their motto?

What saying best defines your villain’s pursuit of their goal?

What narrative purpose do they serve in the story?

E.g., how does their presence or absence impact the protagonist's actions?

What kind of listener are they?

Write a sample scene where the protagonist confides in them.

What kinds of things does the protagonist share with them?

And what key secrets does the confidant know about the protagonist? How do these secrets influence their advice or actions?

How does the confidant influence the protagonist’s internal conflict?

What about their personal growth? How does their perspective push the protagonist to change?

What personal stakes does the confidant have in the protagonist's success or failure, if any?

What do they also stand to gain or lose?

In what significant ways does the confidant break traditional tropes, if any?

Is their loyalty or support conditional?

What do they look like?

Describe the protagonist's first impression of them. Be specific about their defining features.

What is their general outlook on life?

E.g., are they an optimist, pessimist, realist, etc.?

What core personality traits define the confidant?

How do these traits shape interactions with the protagonist and others?

What mannerisms are signature to the confidant?

Show a conversation where their body language says more than words.

What is their biggest pet peeve or annoyance?

And is it something the protagonist is often responsible for?

What is the confidant's biggest emotional burden?

E.g., what subject do they resist discussing with the protagonist?

Who are the confidant’s closest allies or friends?

How do these relationships shape their behavior and choices?

What past relationships shaped the confidant’s current personality?

Write a flashback showing a defining past relationship.

How long have they known the protagonist?

Describe their first meeting.

How genuine is the connection between the confidant and the protagonist?

What would break it? Which values or principles do they clash over?

If the confidant wasn’t in the story, how would the protagonist’s journey be different?

Additionally, if the confidant and the protagonist separate, how does it impact both of them?

How might the confidant advance the story?

For instance, do they serve as catalysts for events or decisions?

Which decisions are they pivotal in influencing?

How do their opinions, advice, or interventions affect outcomes?

What key scenes showcase their value as a confidant?

Show their influence in a small, seemingly insignificant moment that has big repercussions.

How do they contribute to the story’s thematic depth?

E.g., do they embody ideals, flaws, or contradictions relevant to the narrative?

How do they challenge or provoke the protagonist to grow?

How does confrontation or questioning shape the protagonist’s arc?

What natural borders separate the nation from its neighbors?

How effective are they?

What are the most significant mountains, valleys, or plains?

What roles do they play?

What are the major cities in this country?

What unique character or specialty does each city have?

Which regions are most heavily populated, and why have they developed there?

Conversely, which parts of the country are hardest to govern or control due to geography?

What remote or uninhabited areas exist?

What keeps people away?

How does the terrain inform the country's policy-making?

For instance, does it impact methods of transportation, communication, military strategies, etc?

How does the terrain shape regional identities within the nation?

How do mountains, coasts, or deserts create distinct cultures? How do people describe themselves by region?

In what ways would outsiders describe or stereotype the country's landscape?

How does the country’s own self-image differ from outside views?

What is the general climate like?

How does it vary across regions?

How are the seasons defined?

Write a local's journal noting seasonal changes.

What weather patterns or cycles are seen throughout the year?

Think monsoons, droughts, frequent storms, etc.?

How does weather dictate daily life?

For instance, does it impact travel, warfare, migration, farming, rituals, etc.?

What superstitions or religious beliefs connect to the weather?

How do these beliefs affect everyday decisions?

How do travelers from other regions perceive and adapt to the climate here?

How do merchants or pilgrims prepare before arriving?

What ecosystems define the country?

Think forests, deserts, tundra, reefs, etc.?

Which natural resources sustain the economy?

When are they scarce, and what are the consequences?

Which animals are most iconic or culturally significant in this country?

What is the food chain like, e.g. apex predators, keystone species, scavengers, etc.?

What types of plants grow here?

Are there crops unique to the country that support civilizations?

How do flora and fauna interact with society?

Think cuisine, medicine, trade goods, etc. How do seasonal changes impact availability?

How fragile is the balance of nature in this country?

Could one invasive species or climate shift collapse it?

What origin myths or founding stories define the nation’s identity?

How do regional versions of the myth differ?

Which historical events are widely known as turning points in the country's timeline?

Think dynasties or rulers that have risen and fallen, wars that carved the nation's current borders, revolutions that reshaped society, etc.

Which figures are national heroes?

Which are vilified?

How do different regions interpret the nation's history differently?

And how do citizens learn about their history?

Which "golden ages" or high points exist in the country's history?

And which “dark ages” or collapses nearly destroyed the country?

What is the current state of peace or conflict?

Are there ongoing wars or tensions?

How do foreigners remember or misremember the nation’s past?

Why?

What are the major ethnic, cultural, or social groups within the country?

How do they interact?

Which languages are spoken?

And what role do dialects play?

What are the primary social classes?

How rigid or flexible is social mobility?

What are common occupations?

And how do people typically make a living?

What values or virtues are seen as most admirable?

And which insults, gestures, or breaches of etiquette most offend?

What counts as entertainment and art?

How do music, theater, or games reveal cultural values?

What sows division in this country?

Conversely, what unifies?

How do people see themselves in relation to their country?

What national identity, pride, or divisions exist?

What form of government rules the country?

How does it approach crime, justice, and punishment? Is there a formal constitution, set of laws, or is it all custom and precedent?

What political factions compete for power?

Has the balance of power shifted in recent centuries? Who holds it now?

How does the country's political landscape affect the common people?

Show a street-level perspective of a major political event.

What is this country's role in the overall politics of the continent?

How do other countries perceive it? How do alliances or rivalries define foreign policy?

How strong is its position internationally?

Think allies, enemies, etc.?

What are the major industries in this country?

E.g., agriculture, mining, manufacturing, etc.?

What is the currency?

Describe the look and feel of the nation’s coins or notes.

Which are its major imports and exports?

How does trade shape relations with neighboring nations?

Where is the city located?

In terms of continent? Country? Region?

What kind of climate does the city experience?

How consistent is it throughout the year?

What surrounding natural features define it?

Think rivers, coastlines, mountains, plains, etc.

Why was this site originally chosen for settlement?

Consider access to water, trade, defense, faith, etc.

How does the city connect to the outside world?

Think main roads, waterways, ports, etc.

How does its geography influence its layout?

For instance, do roads follow elevation, waterways, or trade routes?

What lies beyond its borders?

Are surrounding lands friendly, wild, or dangerous?

What is the city's general layout?

Consider if the city is mapped using grids, winding alleys, etc.

How is the city organized or divided?

For instance, are they separated by districts, sectors, neighborhoods, etc.?

How do the areas of the city differ?

Consider architecture, upkeep, social status, class, ethnicity, etc. of each.

How extensive is the city's infrastructure?

For instance, how is the city supplied with water, sanitation, and waste removal?

What landmarks define the city?

Write a guidebook entry describing it to visitors.

How do people navigate the city?

E.g., by wards, numbered districts, etc.?

How would outsiders describe the city's "look and feel" at first sight?

Consider the scents, sounds, and textures they'd remark upon immediately.

What form of government runs the city?

Think democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, council, etc.?

Who holds the most power?

How did they get it?

How are laws made and enforced?

Describe a petty crime and its consequences vs. that of a serious crime.

What are the major political divides in the city?

Think wealth vs. poverty, traditionalists vs. reformers, magic vs. technology, etc.?

What is this city's role in the overall politics of the country?

How does the city wield influence economically, culturally, militarily, etc.?

How do citizens view their government?

How has it changed, if at all?

How does the city interact with...

Nearby states? Empires? Rival cities?

What is a typical day like for an ordinary citizen?

Narrate a “day in the life” from dawn to nightfall.

What languages or dialects are spoken?

Create a glossary of unique city idioms.

What social classes or castes exist?

How rigid are they, and where they live in the city?

What are the city’s core values or taboos?

What are they rooted in?

What do people eat, wear, and do for leisure?

How does this differ depending on class?

What prejudices or divisions exist within the populace?

Consider what the tensions are based on.

How do its citizens view outsiders?

Conversely, how are they viewed or stereotyped?

What resources or industries sustain the city?

Think farming, mining, fishing, manufacturing, magic, etc.?

What is the city's main source of income?

Think trade, technology, tourism, crime, etc.?

Who are the city's trading partners?

What is exchanged with them? What are the major trade routes?

How are wealth and poverty distributed?

Describe a walk from the richest to poorest district.

What kinds of jobs or trades are most common?

Why?

What currencies or barter systems are used?

Is it local or regional?

What black markets or underground economies exist?

Draft a secret police memo mapping the underground economy.

Who founded the city?

What existed here before the city was built?

How has the city's population changed over time?

Think census records, etc.? How do migrations affect its demographics?

What major events shaped its identity?

How do opposing groups tell the story differently?

What famous historical figures are tied to the city?

How are they rememvered today?

What inventions, ideas, or works of art originated here?

How are these ideas preserved, spread, or stolen?

How does the city’s past affect its present identity?

How do citizens in particular relate to its past?

What is something about the city that only long-time residents or insiders know?

Write it out here.

Where is it located?

How accessible is it?

What does this biome look like?

Describe it as if you were a traveler who just came across it.

What does it sound like?

Describe the biome using only sounds.

What does it smell like?

Write a scene where someone smells the biome before seeing it.

What distinctive landmarks or landforms define the identity of this biome?

How might they shape the stories told about this region?

How does the biome connect to other regions?

Through trade routes, natural barriers, etc.?

What is the climate like?

And how extreme does it get?

What is the seasonal cycle of the biome?

How predictable is it?

What natural resources are available?

How do these resources fuel prosperity, conflict, or dependency?

What weather patterns are common?

Think monsoons, storms, droughts, snowfall, etc.?

How does the climate affect plant and animal behavior?

Think migrations, hibernation, etc.?

What myths or beliefs might have arisen to explain the climate?

For instance, do gods, spirits, or omens get blamed for weather?

What ecosystems form the heart of this biome?

E.g., is it dominated by forests, grasslands, tundras, or hybrid zones?

Which species are most characteristic of this biome?

Consider keystone animals, famously endangered species, etc.

How is the food chain structured?

Who are the apex predators, grazers, and scavengers? How might disrupting one level destabilize the whole?

What types of plants grow here?

How are they adapted to its terrain, in terms of altitude, latitude, proximity to water, etc.?

How does biodiversity compare to other regions?

Write a naturalist’s field note comparing this biome to another.

What hidden dangers exist in the terrain?

Write a survival manual for someone who's just stumbled into this biome.

Who were the earliest peoples to settle here, if any?

What drew them?

Who inhabits the biome now?

How have they adapted to survive in it?

How do they interact with the biome?

For instance, is the relationship harmonious, or do they exploit it? What tensions exist between people and the environment?

How does the environment influence their sense of identity and belonging?

If their homeland could speak, what would it say about the people who live there?

How does biome shape daily life in terms of...

Food? Shelter? Clothing?

How did the biome form?

Think tectonic activity, supernatural events, etc.? Write out its creation myth.

How has the biome changed over time?

Write an excerpt from the first and latest recorded travelogue about the biome.

What historical or cultural significance does this biome have?

E.g., was it the site of a disaster, has a war started over its resources, etc.?

What legendary figures are tied to this place?

How are they remembered today?

How have maps of this biome changed?

Did borders shrink, expand, or vanish?

How is the biome spoken about today?

And why?

Where is it located?

How accessible is it?

What does this landform look like?

Describe it as if you were a traveler who just came across it.

What does it sound like?

Describe the landform using only sounds.

What does it smell like?

Write a scene where someone smells the landform before seeing it.

What is the "signature" feature of this landform?

In other words, what would everyone immediately recognize about this landform?

How does it connect or separate regions?

How does it guide trade, travel, or migration?

What kind of climate does it experience?

How extreme does it get?

What weather patterns or cycles are seen throughout the year?

What about one-off natural disasters, e.g. avalanches, droughts, etc.?

How do seasons affect it?

Describe its appearance in one season vs. another.

What natural resources are found here?

Are they renewable or finite?

What plants thrive on or around it?

How have they adapted to the environment?

What animals inhabit it?

In particular, what species are unique or symbolic of this landform?

How does the food web function here?

Who are the keystone species, and how do they shape survival?

How have people altered its ecology?

Consider if farming, logging, mining, etc. has changed its ecosystem.

How is the landform’s ecosystem distinct from its neighbors’?

In other words, what grows or lives here that doesn’t survive elsewhere?

What civilizations claim it?

How do people's identities reflect it, e.g. "people of the mountain," "children of the river," etc.?

What famous figures are tied to it?

Consider people who conquered, discovered, died upon it, etc.

How does it shape political or social organization in society?

For instance, do clans form around valleys, or leaders control passes?

What taboos or superstitions are associated with it?

And what were their origins?

How do outsiders view it?

Write the diary entry of a foreigner visiting the landform for the first time.

How was this landform created?

How might locals mythologize its origins differently than science would?

When was this landform...

Created? Discovered? Mapped?

How has it changed over time?

Write an excerpt from the first and latest recorded travelogue about the landform.

What role has this landform played in history?

If this landform could talk, what stories or secrets would it tell?

What role does the landform play in the larger world now?

How do people currently approach it?

How is it remembered in society today?

Conversely, how is it forgotten?

What is the location’s primary function or role?

Think residence, business, sanctuary, crime hub, military stronghold, etc.? In what ways might this purpose shift if the world around it changes?

What makes this location distinct from all others?

Think scale, symbolic meaning, etc.?

What do locals say about the place?

How might their opinion differ from outsiders’ impressions?

What unspoken rules govern behavior here?

Consider customs, taboos, laws, etc. How do those rules shift depending on who is present?

What role does it play in the larger world?

How might losing this place change the balance of power?

What does the location look like?

What is the first thing visitors notice when entering the location?

What is the general layout?

Is it linear, circular, sprawling, vertical, etc.?

What are the key areas or zones within the location?

In terms of districts, rooms, sectors, etc.?

What sensory details define it?

What do people hear, smell, touch, or taste here?

How do travelers typically navigate the area?

Think maps, guides, landmarks, etc.?

Where is the landmark located?

How do people reach it, and how difficult is the journey?

How does the location interact with or rely on its natural surroundings?

What are its boundaries?

What is the climate of the location?

Consider temperature, rainfall, seasonal changes, etc.

What secrets are hidden within it?

E.g., underground caverns, rare or valuable resources, etc.?

Who inhabits this place, either temporarily or permanently?

How do their lives reflect the location’s function?

Who holds official power here?

How stable or contested is their authority?

Who holds unofficial power here?

How might their influence rival or undermine official rule?

Who benefits most from this place’s existence?

And who suffers because of it?

What unifies people here?

Conversely, what divides them?

When and why did this location come into being?

How might its origin affect how it is used now?

What famous historical figures are associated with it?

Why? And what happened to them?

What major historical events are tied to it?

How do different groups or eras tell the story differently?

How has its reputation changed over time?

And how might different eras use it for different purposes?

How is its story preserved?

Consider legends, rumors, mysteries, folklore, etc. How might conflicting versions of its past shape its identity?

What defines this culture’s identity?

Write a scene where someone from this culture explains what makes them who they are.

How does the culture view its place in the world?

How do these beliefs shape their behavior and interactions with other cultures?

What are the culture’s core values?

Think family, honor, knowledge, strength, etc.?

What is the culture's attitude toward outsiders?

Imagine a character from another culture trying to befriend someone from this culture, and the challenges they face.

How does the culture define...

Success vs. failure? Progress vs. stability? Individuality vs. community?

How is the culture organized socially?

Think monarchy, caste system, egalitarian, merit-based, etc.?

Who's at the top?

Is this power inherited, earned, elected, etc.?

Who's at the bottom?

Who is excluded, marginalized, or subjugated in society? How are they treated by those in power?

What is the culture's approach to social mobility?

How is status determined or earned? Is it easy for people to rise or fall within the social hierarchy?

What are the social expectations in this culture?

How does it differ depending on class?

What professions are considered prestigious or important in this culture?

What do people dream of becoming when they're children?

How do people in this culture dress for the day?

And what does it say about how fashion is used to project identity or social alignment?

What are the cultural taboos or unspoken rules in this culture?

E.g., are there certain topics or behaviors that are avoided at all costs?

What are the everyday courtesies people practice in this culture?

E.g., are there formal rituals for greeting or parting ways?

What is the role of food in this culture’s customs and traditions?

Are there traditional dishes or ingredients that carry cultural significance?

What are the most important festivals in this culture?

How are they celebrated?

What works of artwork are famous in this culture?

Why?

What books are famous in this culture?

Why?

What myths are known by everyone in this culture?

Write one such myth out.

Who are the famous artists, performers, and writers in this culture?

How are they regarded?

How does the culture define beauty and creativity?

Is there a specific aesthetic that is considered beautiful or worthy of admiration?

What is the dominant belief system in this culture?

E.g., polytheism, monotheism, animism, secularism, etc.?

How do people in this culture practice their faith or spirituality?

Write a scene where a character participates in or witnesses a ritual.

Who are the religious leaders in this culture?

How did they come to power?

What sacred texts are central to the culture's faith?

And what key stories or myths are told to explain the origins of the culture, the gods, or the world itself?

What sacred places or objects are significant in this culture's religion?

E.g., holy sites, precious amulets, etc.?

What languages do people speak in this culture?

And are there linguistic divisions between classes, regions, ethnic groups, etc.?

How does the culture use non-verbal communication?

How important is eye contact, personal space, or physical touch in conversation?

How is humor expressed in this culture?

E.g., irony, sarcasm, playfulness, etc.? How does humor reflect the culture’s attitude toward life?

How does this culture approach conflict?

For instance, are they direct or avoidant about it?

What are the unspoken rules for etiquette in this culture?

And who is the etiquette meant for?

How do people spend their mornings in this culture?

Write out a sample morning routine for your character.

How do people spend their afternoons in this culture?

Write out a sample afternoon routine for your character.

How do people spend their evenings in this culture?

Write out a sample evening routine for your character.

How do weekdays differ from weekends?

Write out a sample weekend routine for your character.

How does a typical day differ depending on class or status in this culture?

Imagine a day in the life of a worker, leader, and student in this culture.

Who are this religion's gods and deities?

What are they like? How are they perceived?

What does this religion teach about the origin of the world?

Write a version of the creation myth in this religion.

What does it teach about death?

How does this belief in the afterlife affect how followers live their lives?

How does the religion define good and evil?

What actions or qualities are considered virtuous or sinful?

What conflicting beliefs or schools of thought within the religion exist?

Where are the divisons? How do these differing beliefs impact the unity of the followers?

What is the ultimate goal or purpose of the religion?

For instance, does the religion focus on spiritual fulfillment, collective well-being, cosmic balance, etc.?

What are the core beliefs of this religion?

How do these beliefs shape the lives and decisions of its followers?

What virtues does it emphasize?

What behaviors are considered virtuous?

What sins does it warn against?

What kind of behaviors are considered sinful?

What rules or commandments does this religion preach?

List them out here.

How is dissent or heresy handled within the faith?

What are the consequences, if any?

How do believers generally view and interact with non-believers?

E.g., are they treated as enemies, outsiders, potential converts, etc.?

What are the key rituals of this religion?

E.g. seasonal ceremonies, life-stage events, etc.? Write a scene where a character participates in it.

What are the key practices of this religion?

E.g., diet, fasting, cleansing, etc.?

What are the most common places of worship?

For instance, temples, nature, private spaces, etc.?

What role do religious leaders play in worship?

E.g. how does the divine communicate with followers? Are there intermediaries like priests or messengers?

What specific days or time periods hold special significance, if any?

If so, what's the story behind them and how are they celebrated?

What specific pilgrimage sites or sacred journeys might be required for followers?

How are these sites connected to key religious events or divine manifestations?

What is the structure of the religious hierarchy?

Are there clear divisions between different levels of authority?

Who are the religious leaders?

How are they chosen or appointed, and what powers do they have?

What are different sects or denominations within the religion?

What distinguishes them?

What are the consequences for leaving this religion?

Write out a scene where this happens.

What is the origin story of this religion?

E.g., is there a founding figure or event that marks the birth of the faith?

How has this religion evolved over time?

Have there been any schisms, reformations, or major shifts in doctrine?

How has the religion interacted with society?

E.g., did it shape philosophical thought, scientific advancements, cultural norms, etc.?

Who are its key figures throughout time?

Why are they important?

What is its status in society today?

Is this the dominant religion in your world?

What kind of governments exist in your world?

And who holds the ultimate authority in it?

What are the branches of government?

How are power and responsibilities divided?

How is power distributed?

How does it impact checks and balances?

Who is the current leader?

How long have they been in power?

How is does someone ascend to power?

Is it peaceful?

What are the political factions or parties?

How are these groups formed or organized?

What are the goals and agendas of each faction?

Consider short-term vs long-term objectives. How do these goals conflict or align with others?

Who are the leaders of each faction?

What personal traits make them effective?

Who are their supporters?

Think noble families, covert organizations, etc.?

How do factions interact with one another?

E.g., are there alliances, rivalries, betrayals, secret agreements, etc.?

Who is considered a citizen?

Why?

What fundamental rights do citizens have?

How does it vary with non-citizens?

Who creates the laws?

Who drafts laws, and who approves them?

How are laws enforced?

Think consistency, corruption, regional differences, etc.? Where do the loyalties of those who enforce the law lie?

Who's exempt from the law?

And why?

How are disputes settled?

E.g., courts, duels, payoffs, etc.?

How do citizens participate in government?

How accessible is participation for ordinary people?

How does the government interact with social institutions?

Think religion, education, media, guilds, etc.? How do these institutions influence policy?

What are the biggest political controversies right now in your world?

How is your government handling them?

What is the government's scope?

E.g., does the government provide social programs like education, healthcare, housing, etc.?

Who benefits most from the current political order?

Who suffers the most?

How does the public feel about the government and the people who lead it?

Consider polls, protests, public celebrations, rumors, or underground movements that indicate approval or discontent.

Who are this government's allies abroad?

Who are its enemies?

How do both allies and rivals view this government?

How do cultural differences, military strength, or economic power shape foreign perceptions?

How does your government interact with other nations in general?

How do past conflicts influence the government's current relationships with other countries?

How large is the military?

And who has the authority to declare war?

How do international conflicts or collaborations affect domestic politics?

Draft an internal memo analyzing it.

How does international law affect government decisions?

How do rules imposed by global institutions influence national sovereignty?

How and when was this government formed?

How did societal needs, external threats, or influential leaders shape its formation?

What key events have shaped the government's development?

Look at wars, reforms, scandals, revolutions, leadership changes, etc.

How has the government’s ideology evolved over time?

How did internal debates or external pressures influence these changes?

Who have been the key individuals instrumental in shaping the government into what it is today?

How did their decisions and personalities leave lasting impacts?

How has the government changed in structure over time?

E.g., think about shifts from monarchy to republic, federation to unitary state, bureaucracy expansion, etc.?

How do historians today view the government’s past?

Consider differing interpretations, biases, access to records, etc.

Who is this person?

And what is their primary role in history?

What are their most recognizable physical traits or distinctive features?

Describe their appearance from the perspective of a portrait painter.

What are their defining personality traits?

Did they have any notable flaws or weaknesses?

What personal values or beliefs guided their actions?

Think principles, morals, philosophies, etc.?

What deeds are they known for?

List political, military, artistic, cultural achievements, etc.

How are they remembered today?

How did viewpoints on this person change through time? Are there debates or differing interpretations of their actions?

Where and when was this figure born?

How did their place of birth shape their worldview or opportunities?

Who were their parents or guardians?

How did their upbringing shape the figure’s character, goals, or ambitions?

What early experiences shaped their personality or talents?

Think of childhood events, education, adventures, etc.?

What obstacles or challenges did they face in childhood?

Think of poverty, illness, prejudice, political/social constraints, etc.?

What cultural or societal norms influenced their upbringing?

Think religion, traditions, gender expectations, social status, class norms, etc.?

What are the major achievements or contributions of this figure?

Were they universally acclaimed or the opposite?

How did they grow their abilities?

Think training, natural aptitude, divine intervention, etc.?

What major internal conflicts did they face?

How did these conflicts affect their public actions or choices?

What were their greatest mistakes or failures?

How did they react to it?

What drove their actions?

Think ambition, revenge, love, a sense of duty, etc.? Did this evolve over time?

Who were their...

Closest friends? Allies? Rivals? Enemies?

What was their reputation among their...

Peers? Enemies? The general populace?

How did they die?

Write a diary entry from the figure reflecting on their final days.

What defined their later years?

Think last-minute projects, successes, setbacks, controversies, personal failures, etc.

How did their allies and enemies react to their death?

How did these reactions differ across social classes, regions, or factions?

What was the immediate public reaction to their death?

Write an obituary for this figure.

Why is this person important in your world today?

Think of the cultural, political, societal impact, etc. Then draft a newspaper or bulletin commemorating their influence.

What lasting contributions are attributed to them?

Recount an achievement through the eyes of someone who opposed them.

What was the state of the world or their region before, during, and after their lifetime?

What challenges or opportunities defined their era?

What is dedicated to them today?

Think place names, monuments, holidays, etc.?

What stories and legends are associated with them?

How accurate are they compared to historical records?

What controversies surround their life and death?

Draft a fictional commentary in a modern newspaper, decades or centuries later.

Who founded the business?

And what was their motivation?

What problem or gap in society does the business aim to solve?

Think about the communities, species, or individuals it serves.

How does the business distinguish itself from others in the same field?

Write a newspaper or magical world bulletin article comparing this business to competitors.

How might the business evolve in response to changing times or threats?

Think economic, political, magical, or environmental pressures?

What main obstacles or challenges does it face?

E.g., rivals, regulations, resource scarcity, societal prejudice, etc.? How does it adapt its strategy to overcome these challenges?

What role does the business play in society today?

How does the business impact the world around it?

How is the organization structured?

Write out a broad organizational chart showing key positions.

Who holds the leadership positions?

Think guildmaster, ruling council, democratic system, etc.? Or is it an informal structure?

What is the chain of command?

Draft a specific "who reports to whom" reference chart.

How is power transferred?

How do these methods influence loyalty, competition, or corruption?

How are decisions made?

How does this process affect speed, fairness, secrecy, etc.?

Does it belong to a larger congolmerate or cartel?

In which case, what is its role in the bigger picture?

What goods or services does the organization provide?

How does it define its identity?

How does it handle...

Supply chains? Production? Labor?

How are products and services priced or valued?

Consider cost, scarcity, competition, magical value, etc.

What makes the organization’s products or services unique?

How do competitors compare in the same market?

What signature products or "flagship" services exist?

How do they influence the organization’s reputation or prestige?

Who are the primary clients of the organization?

Create a proto persona of the customer, considering social class, species, occupation, region, etc.

How dependable are the customers?

Are they repeat, long-term, seasonal, etc.?

How do customers find or discover the organization?

E.g., word-of-mouth, advertisements, magical signals, public events, etc.?

How do different customer types experience the business differently?

Are some experiences exclusive or tailored?

How do clients perceive the organization?

Are perceptions uniform, or do they vary by region or social group?

How are client complaints or disputes handled?

What are the consequences?

Who currently owns or controls it?

How is it performing under their control?

Who are its main competitors or rivals?

How did this rivalry develop?

Who are its allies?

Who would it collaborate with?

What regulates it?

Are there trade guilds, unions, or governments regulating its activities?

What controversies, scandals, or public outcries might exist against it?

What was the impact of these controversies?

How is this business perceived within its community, industry, or world?

How have past actions, decisions, or public events shaped its current standing?

What is the source of magic in your world?

E.g., does magic come from nature, energy, divine power, a scientific phenomenon, etc.?

What can magic do in your world?

From mundane tasks to extraordinary feats?

What can’t magic do in your world?

Consider limits based on resources, skill, or inherent laws in your world.

How common is magic in your world?

E.g., is it rare and secretive, or a common part of daily life?

What fundamental principles govern magic?

Consider conservation, equivalence, etc. How do these principles create opportunities and limitations for magic users?

What mysteries or unknowns remain about magic?

What is being done about it?

What different kinds of magic exist in your world?

Are these types tied to geography, culture, or lineage?

How do the types of magic differ from one another?

In terms of effects? Limitations? Underlying principles? Write a scene where two practitioners of different magical types interact.

How is each type of magic perceived?

Are some more prestigious than others? Feared? Distrusted?

What are the specializations within each type of magic?

Think of schools, sub-branches, regional variations, etc.?

How have types and specializations evolved over time?

Think magical innovation, adaptation, discoveries, etc.?

Are there forbidden types of magic?

What happens to those who use them?

How do individuals gain magical ability?

Write about a character discovering their magical ability for the first time.

What different paths exist to learning magic?

Think formal education, self-study, etc.? Write a character choosing between two distinct magical training paths.

How is magic honed?

Think schools, master-apprentice relationships, guilds, secret societies, etc.?

What formal institutions for magical learning exist, if any?

How do institutions differ in philosophy, approach, or reputation?

How long does it typically take to master magic?

Consider complexity, type, individual aptitude, etc. Are there accelerated methods or lifelong learning paths?

What challenges or obstacles do learners face?

Think difficulty, danger, competition, magical incompatibilities, etc.?

How is magic cast or activated?

Think gestures, spoken words, written symbols, runes, particular materials, etc.? Are there multiple methods for the same spell?

What materials or tools are required to cast magic, if any?

E.g., wands, staves, ingredients, inks, artifacts, etc.? What tools are essential, and what are optional?

What are the costs or risks of using magic?

Think physical, mental, social, spiritual consequences, etc.? Are there any side effects to magic-casting?

How does skill level impact magic-casting?

Consider novice vs. master, basic vs. advanced spells, etc.

What are the consequences of magic going wrong?

Can magic fail, misfire, or backfire? How severe are the consequences?

How do the mechanics differ depending on the type of magic?

Are certain mechanics exclusive to particular schools of magic?

Who are the primary users of magic in your world?

Think about social class, species, specific professions, etc. Who naturally wields magic?

How does society view magic and those who use it?

Are attitudes different between regions, classes, or cultures?

What customs, etiquette, or rituals do magical societies have, if any?

Think greetings, ceremonies, taboos, etc.?

What social hierarchies based on magical ability exist?

Consider status, influence, and privileges.

How does magic interact with government and power?

If you think about power dynamics, who gains influence, and who is oppressed or restricted because of magical abilities?

How do magic users interact with non-magical society?

Write a scene where a magic user must disguise their abilities in everyday society.

How is magic regulated or governed?

Are there universal rules or region-specific codes?

What actions are considered illegal or unethical in the use of magic?

And what are the penalties or punishments for magical crimes?

Who enforces magical laws?

And what governing body has jurisdiction over magical practice?

How are new spells, discoveries, or magical techniques regulated?

Think approvals, patents, etc.?

What loopholes or grey areas exist in magical law?

How do magic users navigate these ambiguities?

How do ethics and morality shape magical practice?

How does this influence who uses magic and for what purposes?

What is the earliest known use of magic in this world?

Write a textbook's account of it. What myths or conflicting accounts might there be about the origins of magic?

Who are the legendary figures associated with the history of magic?

Think founders, innovators, rebels, etc.? How are they remembered today?

Which specific events or eras shaped the development of magic in your world?

Map out a timeline of it here.

How have magical practices evolved over time?

Think changes in methods, tools, education, etc.?

How has perception of magic shifted over time?

What made it change?

How has magic itself changed over time, if at all?

E.g., are today’s mages weaker than their ancestors, or has new knowledge made magic more powerful?

What triggered this event?

Identify the catalyst that set everything in motion.

What historical tensions or conflicts underlie the event?

Think rivalries, oppression, resource scarcity, ideological clashes, etc.? How did they build over time to create a critical point?

How did current conditions contribute to the event?

E.g., consider the political, social, environmental, or magical context. How did they make the event either inevitable or a surprise?

How did early opponents or allies respond to the event?

How did these responses shape the event’s trajectory?

How did ordinary people experience the onset of the event?

Think about commoners, workers, students, or residents in affected areas?

What competing narratives or false accounts about why it started might exist?

Retell the origin story of the event as a legend told centuries later.

Who were the key individuals or groups involved?

What were their motivations?

How did different factions experience the event differently?

E.g., consider perspectives of rebels, rulers, ordinary citizens, marginalized communities, etc.

How did power dynamics amongst the key players influence the event?

Write out a timeline showing the shifting alliances during the event.

How did foreign or external entities respond to the event?

How did their interventions, opinions, or absences alter the event’s course or aftermath?

How did key players influence public opinion or morale?

Think speeches, propaganda, symbolic actions, etc.?

What were the major phases or key turning points of the event?

Break the event into distinct moments that significantly shifted its direction or stakes.

How long did it take to unfold?

Think days, years, or even generations?

How did attitudes towards the event shift throughout?

Why? What was the impact?

What patterns or cycles can be observed in the progression of the event?

How did these patterns influence the strategies of key players?

What caused the greatest public reaction or societal impact?

Think demonstrations, uprisings, celebrations, public mourning, etc.?

What climactic events decided the outcome?

How did it shift the balance?

Were there critical moments where the event could have ended differently?

How would different choices have impacted the timeline? Rewrite one of these moments as an alternate history scenario.

Who were the victors?

How did they frame or control the narrative afterward?

Who were the losers?

Think about not just those who were defeated outright, but those who lost influence, resources, social standing, etc.?

How did the general populace experience the aftermath?

How did the aftermath shape public opinion or societal behavior?

What unexpected consequences occurred that neither side anticipated?

Look for ripple effects that weren't part of the original plan.

What were the immediate repercussions?

In terms of the economic, social, cultural, political, etc.?

How did the event shape the trajectory of the world in subsequent decades or centuries?

Draft a fictional encyclopedia entry summarizing the event’s long-term impact.

How is this event remembered in your world today?

How do different groups interpret or narrate the event differently?

How did the event's retelling change over time?

What triggered the change in interpretation?

What conspiracy theories or alternate accounts exist about the event?

Who perpetuates them, and why?

What symbols or icons emerged from this event?

Think flags, emblems, relics, songs, memorials, etc.?

How is it taught in schools or to younger generations?

How do lessons from the event vary by region, culture, or political leaning?

Was the event’s true impact greater or smaller than initially perceived?

Why?

What triggered the war?

Identify the catalyst that set everything in motion.

What historical tensions or conflicts underlie the event?

Think rivalries, oppression, resource scarcity, ideological clashes, etc.? How did they build over time to create a critical point?

How did current conditions contribute to the event?

Consider the political, social, environmental, or magical context. How did they make the event either inevitable or a surprise?

What was at stake?

Look for stakes beyond territory, such as resources, ideals, etc.

What propaganda or messaging shaped early perceptions of the war?

E.g., posters, speeches, rumors, misinformation, etc.?

Why did each side think the war was necessary?

Write it out from the perspective of one of them.

What were the key differences between the warring sides when it came to...

Ideology? Resources? Military strength? Strategy?

Who were the major factions involved in the war?

And what alliances or betrayals tied them together?

Who were the neutral parties?

Why were they neutral? Consider trade, diplomacy, espionage, etc.

Who were the main leaders on each side?

What about generals, strategists, etc.? Why were they important?

Who were the allies and supporters behind the key players?

Consider family, advisors, loyal soldiers, and political factions.

Who were the key villains or notorious figures?

And how might different factions label someone a villain?

How were non-combatants involved in shaping the war's outcome?

E.g., civilians, scholars, religious leaders, etc.?

When did the war begin?

What specific event triggered it?

What were the major battles?

Think last stands, sieges, ambushes, etc.? How did geography, timing, or strategy determine the outcome of each battle?

When did key turning points occur?

Look for events outside of battles that shifted momentum between factions.

What alliances formed or broke?

Think treaties, betrayals, contracts, etc.?

What internal revolts or rebellions took place?

Think uprisings, civil unrest, mutinies, etc.?

How and when did changes in public opinion occur?

Write a newspaper column reflecting public sentiment after a key event.

When did peace talks or negotiations occur?

What was the outcome?

Who were the victors?

What about the losers?

What were the immediate consequences of the war?

Consider territorial changes, population shifts, economic collapses, toppling of political systems and laws, etc.

What future conflicts were born from this war?

E.g., how did unresolved grievances or power vacuums create opportunities for future wars?

How did the winning side tell the story of the war?

And what version of events did the victors promote?

How did infrastructure and cities recover?

Include rebuilding, fortifications, trade networks, transportation, etc.

How did civilians cope with the aftermath?

How did the reactions vary across social classes, different regions, etc.?

What were the long-term consequences?

In five years? A decade? A century?

How will the war be remembered in the future?

E.g.c, did the war lead to a golden age, a period of decline, ongoing instability, etc.?

Which individuals became famous because of the war?

How are they spoken about today?

How do different groups of people remember the war?

Who do they glorify, and who do they demonize?

How did the war redefine national identity?

For both the short- and the long-term?

How did the war influence art, literature, or culture?

How did they interpret the war's events? How do the legends, songs, and poems compare to the actual events?

What lessons were learned from the war?

Both informally and formally?

What is the central conflict of the story?

Write it in 1-2 sentences, as if pitching it to a producer or editor.

What would happen to the character(s) if the conflict isn't resolved?

And what does the protagonist stand to gain or lose?

What is the origin or trigger of the central conflict?

Describe the event or catalyst that starts the conflict.

Who are the central players in this conflict?

How might their motivations also conflict?

What incites the conflict in the story?

Think of the conflict’s root cause. How do the protagonist and other characters initially respond?

What is the first obstacle the protagonist faces related to the conflict?

How does this obstacle push the protagonist to take action?

How do the characters’ relationships evolve due to the conflict in Act 1?

E.g. are alliances formed, broken, tested, etc.by the rising tension?

Are there any early consequences for engaging (or avoiding) the conflict?

Write out the scenario as it would've played out in an alternate universe.

What is the protagonist's mindset at this stage?

How do they perceive the conflict?

How does the conflict escalate in Act 2?

How does the protagonist adapt, struggle, or resist during this phase?

Which key scenes drive the conflict forward in this stage?

What new obstacles, twists, or revelations must the character overcome because of the conflict?

How does the protagonist’s approach to the conflict change?

E.g. do they adapt, struggle, or resist during this stage?

What are the stakes now compared to Act 1?

How did they change?

What is the protagonist’s “All Is Lost” moment?

How does it relate back to this conflict?

How does the conflict reach its peak in Act 3?

What's the sequence of events that builds up to the final confrontation or climax of the conflict?

How is the conflict resolved?

What is the key moment when everything is at stake?

What personal growth or change occurs as a result?

What lessons has the protagonist learned?

What lasting consequences does the conflict have on the world and characters?

How does the conflict’s resolution shape the future?

How does the resolution reinforce or challenge the story’s theme?

And what message about the theme does it convey to the audience?

What are the central stakes of the story?

How does this tie into the main conflict or central goal of the protagonist?

What does the protagonist stand to lose if they fail to overcome the conflict?

Write a short passage about it from the protagonist's POV.

What do they stand to gain if they succeed?

Write a short passage about it from the protagonist's POV.

How might other characters or the wider world be altered by the outcome of the conflict?

How does this increase or complicate the stakes for the protagonist?

How are the stakes introduced in Act 1?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

What early consequences of engaging (or avoiding) the conflict emerge?

And how do the consequences of failure first become apparent in Act 1?

How do the stakes influence the protagonist’s motivations and choices?

Write a moment where the protagonist's internal conflict (fear, doubt, etc.) might complicate their approach to the stakes.

How do the protagonist and other characters respond?

E.g., do they realize yet what’s at risk if they fail to act?

How do the stakes escalate in Act 2?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

How do the consequences of failure become clearer or more imminent in Act 2?

What potential revelations might make them worse?

What personal decisions does the protagonist make that increase the stakes in Act 2?

How does this choice push the protagonist closer to the potential consequences?

What else might also increase the stakes in Act 2?

Consider the antagonist, the supporting cast, external events, etc. that increase the personal, emotional, or societal stakes for the protagonist.

How do the stakes reach their highest point in Act 3?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

How are the stakes resolved by the end of the story?

What happens to the protagonist’s goal and the threat they faced?

What are the consequences of resolving the conflict?

Is there a cost or sacrifice involved?

How does the resolution of the stakes impact the characters?

How does the resolution of the stakes reflect the characters’ growth?

How will you make the trope your own?

Ground it so that it couldn't be lifted into any other book.

What about the trope will you honor?

What will you subvert?

What is your one-line hook?

E.g., Two exes, one will, and the inn they both inherited.

Where will the trope show up in this act?

List the beats.

What does it add to the story in terms of plot, character, etc.?

Is the trope serving the story, or the story the trope?

Will it meet reader expectations in this act?

If not, why not?

Where does the trope go in this act?

List the beats.

How does it deepen or escalate the story in terms of plot, character, etc.?

Is the trope serving the story, or the story the trope?

Does it meet reader expectations in this act?

If not, why not?

Where does the trope end up in this act?

List the beats.

How does it pay off in terms of plot, character, etc.?

Is the trope serving the story, or the story the trope?

Are reader expectations met in this act?

If not, why not?

Who is the audience for this trope?

What are the comps and the audience for this trope?

What other tropes are you stacking?

And which pairing does the real work?

How will you frame the trope in your description of the book?

Write the line in your blurb that makes the promise land.