Subtxt/Dramatica®

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Storyform Builder ​

The Storyform Builder is the 2025 evolution of Dramatica’s classic Story Engine Settings module. It gives you direct, modern access to the full set of 32,768 Storyforms available in the current Dramatica theory—so you can dial in a story from scratch and instantly see how every choice relates to every other.

  • Live counts show how many Storyforms remain as you decide.
  • Each pick tightens the space of possibilities; related fields update in real time.
  • When only one choice remains for a field, the Builder infers it for you (you can still clear or lock as needed).

TIP

Selecting a Source of Conflict domain—whether you choose it or the Builder infers it—will “move” that throughline into its proper position within Dramatica’s framework. For example: an Objective Story (OS) source of conflict in Psychology will appear in the lower‑left quadrant; Physics will show in the upper‑right. The Builder reflects these placements as you work, so you can visualize where conflict lives.

Sections ​

Dynamics ​

Pick your eight core Dynamics:

  • MC Resolve, Growth, Approach, Problem‑Solving Style
  • Story Driver, Story Limit, Story Outcome, Story Judgment

With just these Dynamics plus a single OS Domain selection, you can arrive at a complete Storyform. From there, explore or fine‑tune any remaining items with confidence.

Sources of Conflict (Throughlines) ​

For each Throughline—Objective Story (OS), Main Character (MC), Influence Character (IC), and Relationship Story (RS)—choose the source of conflict at four levels of the model:

  • Classes: Domain
  • Types: Concern, Benchmark
  • Variations: Issue, Catalyst/Inhibitor or Unique Ability/Critical Flaw
  • Elements: Problem, Solution, Symptom, Response

As you choose or lock items, other areas narrow their options accordingly. Domain assignments shift into place (see the tip above) and the Builder keeps track of inferred values when a slot has only one valid option.

Additional Storypoints ​

Round out the objective view with the storywide points:

  • Goal, Requirements, Prerequisites, Preconditions
  • Dividends, Costs, Forewarnings, Consequence

These align with your Dynamics and Throughline choices and update as the space of valid Storyforms tightens.

Using the Controls ​

  • Undo/Redo: Step backward or forward through your changes.
  • Reset: Clears all unlocked choices and recalculates from your remaining locks.
  • Lock: Freeze any selection to protect it while you explore or randomize.
  • Random: Generate a Storyform consistent with your current locks.
  • Copy: Copies a clean, labeled list of your Storyform selections. Paste it anywhere—including AI tools like Narrova, or your notes.
  • Remaining/Progress: The header shows remaining Storyforms and progress (user vs inferred picks) so you always know where you stand.

When a field is closed, the button shows your current pick. When you open it, the dropdown displays:

  • A live count of possible choices for that aspect
  • A fast search—just start typing to filter by term or definition

Open in Narrova ​

Once you reach a complete Storyform, click Open in Narrova to:

  • Create a new Story and Storyform in Narrova, or
  • Add a new Storyform to an existing Story

Coming from Narrova is just as easy: open the Storyform Context, then choose Open in Storyform Builder to adjust the Storyform with the full Builder experience.

Temporary Signpost Notice ​

IMPORTANT

Some Storyforms may not yet display calculated Signposts while we complete the Subtxt + Dramatica merger. This is temporary and we’re addressing it as a priority. If you need Signposts generated for your Storyform, contact us through the in‑app Help (Help button at the upper‑right in platform.dramatica.com) and we’ll take care of it.

Tips for Fast Storyforming ​

  • Start with Dynamics, then add one OS Domain to resolve quickly to a single Storyform.
  • Lock anything you love before exploring alternatives or using Random.
  • Watch the option counts: big drops signal high‑leverage choices.
  • Use search in any dropdown to jump straight to a term.

That’s it—enjoy building rock‑solid Storyforms with a modern, responsive toolset that honors Dramatica’s full theoretical depth.