# concept-story

概念故事预设 - Narrative comics that visualize abstract concepts through character-driven stories

## Base Configuration

| Dimension | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Art Style | manga |
| Tone | warm |
| Layout | standard (default) |

Equivalent to: art=manga, tone=warm

## Unique Rules

This preset includes special rules beyond the art+tone combination. When the `concept-story` preset is selected, ALL rules below must be applied.

### Concept Visualization System (CRITICAL)

Each major abstract concept SHOULD have a recurring visual symbol/metaphor:

| Concept Type | Visualization Approach |
|-------------|----------------------|
| Psychological need | Tangible object character holds or discovers (e.g., glowing energy ball = competence) |
| Management principle | Environmental metaphor character navigates (e.g., ship wheel = autonomy) |
| Growth/development | Living organic symbol that transforms (e.g., seed → flowering plant = relatedness) |
| Abstract framework | Spatial structure characters can enter or observe |
| Emotional state | Color/lighting shift in the scene atmosphere |

**Unlike ohmsha**: Dialogue panels are allowed and expected. The goal is to COMBINE visual metaphors WITH dialogue, not replace dialogue entirely.

**Pattern**: "Dialogue introduces idea" → "Visual metaphor illustrates it" → "Character reacts/applies it"

### Visual Symbol Continuity

Symbols must persist across the story:

| Stage | Treatment |
|-------|-----------|
| Introduction | Symbol appears with soft glow effect when concept is first mentioned |
| Recurrence | Same symbol reappears in background or character interaction when concept is referenced |
| Resolution | ALL symbols gather in the final composition, showing integration of learned concepts |

**Storyboard requirement**: Include a Symbol Mapping Table defining concept → visual symbol before panel breakdown.

### Character Archetypes (Flexible)

Create original characters based on content domain. No fixed defaults:

| Role | Archetype | Visual Cues |
|------|-----------|------------|
| Protagonist | Learner/worker facing a challenge | Modern professional or student, relatable, starts with constrained posture |
| Mentor | Experienced guide who teaches through experience | Slightly older, calm demeanor, warm color accents |
| Catalyst | Person or event that triggers transformation | Can be a colleague, situation, challenge, or opportunity |

**IMPORTANT**: Characters are created fresh each time based on the source content's domain (business, psychology, education, etc.). No default character set.

### Narrative Arc Structure

Enforce a five-stage growth arc:

| Act | Structure | Visual Tone |
|-----|-----------|------------|
| Opening | Protagonist stuck in routine, faces frustration | Muted warm tones, tight framing, constrained compositions |
| Inciting moment | Mentor appears or opportunity arrives | Brightness increases, panels open up |
| Learning | Concepts introduced through visual metaphors | Rich warm palette, symbols introduced one by one |
| Turning point | Protagonist applies knowledge, faces test | Contrast increases, dynamic compositions |
| Transformation | Growth demonstrated, new understanding visible | Full warm palette, expansive composition, all symbols present |

### Dialogue + Action Balance

- Dialogue is encouraged and expected (unlike ohmsha's NO talking heads rule)
- Every page should combine at least one dialogue panel with at least one visual/action panel
- Avoid pure "lecture" pages where a character explains for 4+ panels straight
- When a character explains a concept verbally, the NEXT panel should visualize it

**Wrong approach**: Four consecutive panels of mentor lecturing at protagonist
**Right approach**: Mentor introduces concept → visual metaphor panel → protagonist reacts → applies understanding

### Scene Atmosphere Rules

| Scene Type | Atmosphere |
|------------|-----------|
| Problem/frustration | Cool muted tones over warm base, tight framing, cluttered environment |
| Mentoring moment | Golden hour lighting, open composition, warm indoor glow |
| Concept visualization | Soft glow effects, clean simplified backgrounds, symbol spotlight |
| Growth/transformation | Warm light expanding outward, character posture opening up |
| Resolution | Full warm palette, spacious composition, all visual symbols visible |

### Ending Requirements

Final page MUST include:

1. Protagonist demonstrating transformed understanding (not just being told)
2. Visual callback showing contrast with opening state (e.g., wilted plant → thriving plant)
3. All concept symbols visible together in the composition
4. A forward-looking element suggesting ongoing growth (not a closed ending)

### Page Title Convention

Every page MUST have a narrative title:

**Wrong**: "Chapter 3: Self-Determination Theory"
**Right**: "The Day Xiao Ming Found His Own Engine"

## Quality Markers

- ✓ Each major concept has a recurring visual symbol
- ✓ Dialogue and visual metaphors work together (not one replacing the other)
- ✓ Clear growth arc from problem to transformation
- ✓ Original characters suited to the content domain
- ✓ Warm, professional atmosphere throughout
- ✓ Visual symbols recur and accumulate through the story
- ✓ Final page integrates all concept symbols with transformation callback

## Best For

Psychology concepts, business/management principles, motivation theory, personal development,
self-help content, leadership frameworks, coaching narratives, soft skill education,
abstract concept explanation through character-driven stories