Context
The sample study shows that a webtoon episode needs a beat structure before it needs final images. Current cartoon episode planning still behaves too much like markdown/prose planning plus image cuts. We need a webtoon-native model that defines what each scroll segment is doing.
Required Changes
Add an episode beat model for cartoon stories. It should support, at minimum:
hook: the first-scroll promise or disruption.
baseline: ordinary world / status quo before the turn.
incitingMoment: first event that changes the episode direction.
escalation: repeated complication or pressure.
reveal: new information, power, threat, romantic signal, or gag turn.
transition: non-illustration connective tissue between illustrated moments.
payoff: short-term emotional or plot payoff.
endingTurn: final question, cliffhanger, loop, gag, or relationship complication.
Add genre presets derived from the abstract study patterns:
- Modern fantasy: deficit -> ability/system trigger -> proof of power -> institutional/social consequence -> repeatable reward loop.
- Thriller: normal family/school life -> uncanny detail -> silence/reaction -> threat reveal -> unresolved dread.
- Romance: loneliness or social setup -> accidental encounter -> attraction/confusion -> communication artifact -> relationship complication.
- Slice-of-life: title card -> repeated small situation -> escalating small misunderstanding -> compact gag/observation close.
Data Model
Extend cartoon episode metadata without breaking existing *.cuts.json files. Prefer additive fields:
episodeBeats[]
beatId on each cut/transition/text panel
beatRole
pacingWeight
readerQuestion
emotionalState
genreFunction
Acceptance Criteria
- New cartoon episodes can be generated from a selected genre template.
- Existing stories load unchanged if beat metadata is absent.
- The episode preview can show beat names compactly without crowding the cut workspace.
- Agent instructions can consume the beat model when planning cuts.
- Tests cover migration/defaulting and at least four genre templates.
Verification
- Unit tests for default beat template generation.
- Regression test that old cartoon stories without beat metadata still open.
- A sample original episode plan shows hook, escalation, transition, payoff, and ending turn.
Context
The sample study shows that a webtoon episode needs a beat structure before it needs final images. Current cartoon episode planning still behaves too much like markdown/prose planning plus image cuts. We need a webtoon-native model that defines what each scroll segment is doing.
Required Changes
Add an episode beat model for cartoon stories. It should support, at minimum:
hook: the first-scroll promise or disruption.baseline: ordinary world / status quo before the turn.incitingMoment: first event that changes the episode direction.escalation: repeated complication or pressure.reveal: new information, power, threat, romantic signal, or gag turn.transition: non-illustration connective tissue between illustrated moments.payoff: short-term emotional or plot payoff.endingTurn: final question, cliffhanger, loop, gag, or relationship complication.Add genre presets derived from the abstract study patterns:
Data Model
Extend cartoon episode metadata without breaking existing
*.cuts.jsonfiles. Prefer additive fields:episodeBeats[]beatIdon each cut/transition/text panelbeatRolepacingWeightreaderQuestionemotionalStategenreFunctionAcceptance Criteria
Verification