# Plot Structure > This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a plot arc", "story structure", "add a plot point", "story timeline", "track foreshadowing", "pacing", "act structure", "story arc", "plot outline", or wants to plan and manage the narrative structure of a story. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/plot-structure` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/plot-structure` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/plot-structure/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/plot-structure --- # Plot Structure ## Overview Plan and manage story arcs, plot points, foreshadowing, and narrative timeline. Each arc is a markdown file in `plot/arcs/` with a chronological timeline maintained in `plot/timeline.md`. The plot index tracks all arcs, their status, and theme coverage. ## Prerequisites A story project must already exist (created via the story-init skill). Verify by checking for `story.md` in the project root. ## Choosing a Story Structure 1. Read `story.md` for genre and themes 2. Consult `references/structure-models.md` for available structures 3. Recommend a structure based on genre (default to three-act if unclear) 4. Update `plot/_index.md` frontmatter `structure` field 5. Populate the story structure section with the beat sheet ## Creating an Arc 1. Read `story.md` for themes 2. Read `plot/_index.md` for existing arcs 3. Read `characters/_index.md` to understand available characters 4. Ask for: - Arc name - Type (main, subplot, character, thematic) - Which characters are involved - Which themes it serves 5. Build the arc through conversation: setup, escalations, climax, resolution 6. Write the file using `references/arc-template.md` 7. Save to `plot/arcs/{arc-name-kebab}.md` 8. Update `plot/_index.md` arcs table 9. Update theme tracking in `plot/_index.md` 10. If characters are referenced, verify they exist in `characters/` ## Managing Plot Points Plot points live within arc files in the "Plot Points" table. When adding a plot point: 1. Read the relevant arc file 2. Add the plot point to the table with chapter reference (if known) 3. Add the event to `plot/timeline.md` in chronological order 4. If the plot point involves foreshadowing, add it to the arc's foreshadowing table ## Timeline Management The timeline at `plot/timeline.md` is a chronological master list of all story events across all arcs. When adding events: - Insert in chronological order - Link to the relevant arc and chapter - Keep entries concise (one line per event) When reviewing the timeline: - Check for chronological consistency - Identify pacing issues (too many events clustered, long gaps) - Flag arcs that haven't progressed ## Foreshadowing Tracking Each arc tracks its own foreshadowing in the "Foreshadowing" table: - **Planted:** What hint or setup is placed - **Payoff:** What the payoff will be - **Chapter Planted / Chapter Payoff:** Where each occurs - **Status:** `planted` or `paid-off` During chapter writing, flag any `planted` items that haven't been paid off as reminders. ## Cross-Referencing - Arcs reference characters via frontmatter `characters` field - Arcs reference themes via frontmatter `themes` field - Plot points reference chapters - Timeline entries link arcs and chapters - Theme tracking in `plot/_index.md` maps themes to arcs and chapters ## Reference Files - **`references/arc-template.md`** - Template for arc files with frontmatter and sections - **`references/structure-models.md`** - Story structure models (three-act, hero's journey, save the cat, kishotenketsu, five-act) with beat sheets --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/danjdewhurst) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.