---
name: plot-next
description: Gather story context for brainstorming what happens next
---

# Plot Next - Context Gathering Skill

This skill automatically gathers relevant story context to help you brainstorm what happens next in your novel.

## What It Does

1. Reads your current chapter/scene
2. Reads previous 2-3 chapters (summaries)
3. Queries knowledge graph for:
   - Characters in current scene
   - Character locations and relationships
   - What each character knows (including secrets)
4. Reads world rules and constraints
5. Checks story blueprint for plot requirements
6. Outputs formatted context summary

## Usage

```bash
# Use current file in editor
/plot-next

# Specify file explicitly
/plot-next chapters/chapter-15.md

# Comprehensive context (more chapters)
/plot-next --full
```

## Output Format

The skill outputs a context summary like this:

```markdown
## Story Context Summary

### Current Position
- Chapter: 15 of 30
- Location: Ancient Library
- POV: Alice

### Characters in Scene
**Alice** (protagonist)
- Location: Ancient Library
- Relationships: Bob (mentor, trusts), Carol (rival, suspicious)
- Knows: The prophecy text (Ch3), Mother's identity (Ch4)
- Does NOT know: [SECRET] The key location (Bob knows)

**Bob** (mentor)
- Location: Ancient Library (with Alice)
- Knows: [SECRET] Key under altar (Ch2)
- Goal: Protect Alice until she's ready

### Recent Events
- Ch14: Alice discovered mother was previous Keeper
- Ch14 End: Someone following them
- Ch15 Start: Arrived at library, searching

### World Constraints
- Library closes at sunset (3 hours remain)
- Magic detection wards active
- Guards patrol every 30 minutes

### Plot Requirements
- MUST happen soon: First confrontation with Watcher
- MUST NOT happen yet: Alice learning key location (Ch20 reveal)

### Shuangdian Opportunities
- REV-01: Alice's research skill (underestimated) saves them
- RVL-02: Discover Watcher's identity
- Channel fatigue: Dopamine 65%, Adrenaline 45%
- Recommendation: Switch to Oxytocin (healing/connection)
```

## How It Works

1. **Detect context**: Uses current editor file or specified path
2. **Call MCP tools**:
   - `query_knowledge_graph` for character data
   - `analyze_shuangdian` for pattern recommendations
3. **Format output**: Structured context ready for brainstorming

## Next Steps

After reviewing this context, use `/brainstorm` or other skills:

```bash
# General brainstorm
/brainstorm "What happens when Alice finds the forbidden section?"

# Specific skill
/shuangdian-next --type reversal
/conflict-next --type interpersonal
/twist-next --type revelation
```

---

**Implementation Note**: This skill invokes MCP tools. Ensure `claude-novelist-server` is running.