Narrative Review

Narrative Review

Purpose: Flexible, subjective, theory-driven — build a theoretical argument supported by literature. Not objective coverage, but persuasive framing.

When to use: User is writing a position paper, survey introduction, or needs to construct a coherent narrative around a research theme.

Budget

State Ledger

Print this table before each major iteration decision:

| SOP            | Target | Current | % Complete |
|----------------|--------|---------|------------|
| web-search     | 80     | ???     | ???%       |
| web-research   | 15     | ???     | ???%       |
| paper-overview | 50     | ???     | ???%       |
| paper-search   | 40     | ???     | ???%       |
| paper-research | 20     | ???     | ???%       |

Do not exit the strategy until all rows reach ≥90%.

Available Tactics

• narrative-framing — define themes → build argument → select supporting evidence

Available SOPs

Import (strict protocol execution):

• web-search → web-browsing/skills/web-search/SKILL.md
• web-research → web-browsing/skills/web-research/SKILL.md
• paper-overview → literature-engine/skills/literature-overview/SKILL.md
• paper-search → literature-engine/skills/literature-search/SKILL.md
• paper-research → literature-engine/skills/literature-research/SKILL.md

Subagent (CC decides when to invoke):

• categorize-papers — cluster papers by theme/method/timeline
• thematic-coding — identify recurring themes across papers
• gap-identification — find what the literature hasn't addressed
• survey-synthesis — produce final structured output

Execution Guidance

• narrative-framing tactic is central — defines the argument structure first, then searches for evidence
• High web-research (15 pages) because narrative reviews draw on blogs, opinion pieces, industry perspectives
• thematic-coding to identify recurring themes across papers
• Reading is selective and theory-driven — not exhaustive, but strategically chosen to support the narrative
• gap-identification frames the "so what" of the narrative

Output Format

Structured Narrative containing:

• Thesis / central argument statement
• Supporting evidence organized by theme
• Counterarguments acknowledged and addressed
• Gap / opportunity identified (the "so what")
• Suggested narrative arc for writing