# Rubric: Dramatic Potential

> How much conflict, reversal, and tension does this option enable?

The fundamental equation: **Conflict + Reversal = Enjoyment**

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## Scale Definition

| Score | Level | Description |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| 1-3 | Static | Little conflict potential; situation resolved easily |
| 4-6 | Single | Creates one clear conflict but limited reversal opportunity |
| 7-8 | Compound | Multiple conflict vectors with reversal potential |
| 9-10 | Engine | Self-perpetuating tension that generates ongoing drama |

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## Calibration Examples

### Score: 2/10 (Static)
**Context:** Choosing the protagonist's relationship with the ASI

**Option:** "The protagonist and ASI have a professional, respectful working relationship from the start."

**Why this scores 2:**
- No inherent conflict
- Relationship has nowhere to go
- Status quo is stable
- Any drama must come from external sources
- Missed opportunity for character growth

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### Score: 5/10 (Single)
**Context:** Choosing the protagonist's relationship with the ASI

**Option:** "The protagonist distrusts the ASI initially but learns to trust it after it saves their life."

**Why this scores 5:**
- Clear conflict (distrust)
- Clear resolution (trust earned)
- BUT: Single arc with predictable trajectory
- Once trust is earned, dramatic engine stops
- Limited reversal opportunity (trust → distrust → trust is cliché)

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### Score: 7/10 (Compound)
**Context:** Choosing the protagonist's relationship with the ASI

**Option:** "The protagonist trusts the ASI's judgment but not its motives. The ASI trusts the protagonist's motives but not their judgment. Each must rely on the other's weakness."

**Why this scores 7:**
- Multiple conflict vectors (trust vs. judgment, motives vs. capabilities)
- Each character needs what the other doubts
- Creates ongoing tension in every interaction
- Reversal potential: What if ASI's motives prove pure but judgment fails?
- Sustains across multiple episodes

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### Score: 9/10 (Engine)
**Context:** Choosing the protagonist's relationship with the ASI

**Option:** "The ASI learns from the protagonist and begins to embody their values—including their flaws. The protagonist must watch their own biases reflected and amplified, forcing them to confront what they've taught."

**Why this scores 9:**
- Self-perpetuating: Every interaction creates new conflict
- The relationship generates its own drama without external forcing
- Multiple reversal opportunities (ASI better than protagonist? Worse?)
- Character growth is structurally required
- Can sustain across 60 episodes without repetition
- Opens unexpected dramatic territory

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## Scoring Prompt

```
RUBRIC: Dramatic Potential
QUESTION: How much conflict, reversal, and tension does this option enable?

SCALE:
1-3: Little conflict potential; situation resolved easily
4-6: Creates one clear conflict but limited reversal opportunity
7-8: Multiple conflict vectors with reversal potential
9-10: Self-perpetuating tension that generates ongoing drama

CALIBRATION:
- A 2/10 is: "Professional, respectful relationship" (static, no inherent conflict)
- A 5/10 is: "Distrust → trust after being saved" (single arc, predictable)
- A 7/10 is: "Each trusts a different aspect of the other" (compound conflicts)
- A 9/10 is: "ASI mirrors protagonist's flaws back" (self-perpetuating engine)

OPTION TO SCORE:
{option_content}

TASK:
1. Identify conflict vectors this option creates
2. Assess reversal potential (how many ways can this flip?)
3. Evaluate sustainability (can this drive 60 episodes?)
4. Assign a score 1-10

Format:
CONFLICT VECTORS: [list sources of tension]
REVERSAL POTENTIAL: [how this could flip/escalate]
SUSTAINABILITY: [how long can this engine run?]
SCORE: [X]/10
```

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## Key Questions

When scoring dramatic potential, ask:

1. **What conflicts does this create?**
   - Internal (character vs. self)?
   - Interpersonal (character vs. character)?
   - External (character vs. world)?

2. **Can it reverse?**
   - What's the opposite situation?
   - How could we get there?
   - Is the path to reversal interesting?

3. **Does it escalate naturally?**
   - Does success create new problems?
   - Does failure create new opportunities?
   - Is there a ceiling, or can it keep building?

4. **Is the status quo unstable?**
   - Something should need to change
   - Maintaining the situation should cost something
   - Every choice should create new pressure

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## Weight in Composite

**Suggested weight:** 20% of composite score

Dramatic potential is crucial for sustaining a 60-episode series. Options that score low here may work for single scenes but will exhaust their potential before the series ends.