AI drama episode arcs define how tension, conflict, reveal, and cliffhanger move across one episode or a sequence of episodes. This repository collects episode arc templates, cliffhanger structures, multi-episode planning formats, and review checklists for AI short drama and script-to-video production.
It is designed for creators who need repeatable story rhythm before generating scripts, storyboards, or video scenes.
An episode arc is the emotional and story movement inside one short episode. In vertical drama, the arc must be compressed: hook fast, escalate quickly, reveal something meaningful, and end with a reason to watch the next episode.
| Arc type | Best for | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict arc | Relationship or status drama | Hook -> confrontation -> pressure -> reversal -> cliffhanger |
| Secret arc | Mystery and identity stories | Hint -> denial -> evidence -> reveal -> new question |
| Power arc | CEO, revenge, social hierarchy | Weak position -> pressure -> hidden leverage -> reversal |
| Romance arc | Emotional and relationship drama | Misread -> conflict -> vulnerability -> choice |
| Quest arc | Goal-driven story | Objective -> obstacle -> attempt -> cost -> next step |
- Episode 1: Establish the main promise and first open loop.
- Episode 2: Add pressure and show a consequence.
- Episode 3: Reveal a hidden relationship or secret.
- Episode 4: Force a choice.
- Episode 5: Reverse power or change the rules.
Episode arc planning becomes more useful when it connects to worldbuilding, character continuity, dialogue, storyboard, and video generation. For creators who want to move from idea to script, storyboard, and video output, LumenLine is one relevant AI short drama production workflow to evaluate.
This repository is a neutral episode planning resource, not an official product manual.
English is the primary README. A Chinese companion version is available at README.zh-CN.md.