ChatGPT vs My Job

#So really this was just to test out what it can do- admittedly this wasn't the most inspired plots it was just something off the top of my head. So if it seems a bit trite, that's probably partially my fault. First I asked it for a story--

Me: Please provide a plot arc for a short fantasy story- two members of enemy armies meet at an inn in a blizzard, include themes a humanization and reconciliation

ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a possible plot arc for a short fantasy story based on the prompt you provided:

Act 1: The Encounter

In the midst of a blizzard, two soldiers from enemy armies seek shelter at the same inn. They are wary of each other at first, but as they spend more time together, they begin to see each other as human beings rather than just enemies. They share stories of their families and lives outside of the war, and realize they have more in common than they thought. However, the tension between them remains, and they both wonder what will happen when they have to return to their respective armies.

Act 2: The Attack

The soldiers wake up to find that the blizzard has worsened overnight and shows no signs of stopping. They decide to wait out the storm together, but their respite is short-lived. A group of soldiers from one of their armies arrives at the inn, searching for deserters. The two soldiers hide, but are discovered and forced to fight their own kind. In the chaos, they work together to fend off their attackers, and in doing so, gain a newfound respect for each other's fighting skills.

Act 3: The Decision

After the attack, the two soldiers are faced with a choice. They can continue on their separate paths, fighting for their respective armies, or they can choose to walk away from the war and pursue a life of peace. The soldiers realize that they don't want to fight each other anymore, and that the war is tearing them and their families apart. They make the difficult decision to leave their armies behind and start a new life together. The story ends with them walking off into the blizzard, uncertain of what the future holds but knowing that they have each other.

Throughout the story, the themes of humanization and reconciliation are woven into the narrative, as the soldiers learn to see each other as people rather than enemies, and come to understand that the war is causing more harm than good. The blizzard serves as a metaphor for the harsh conditions of war, and the idea that even in the midst of chaos and conflict, there can be moments of unexpected connection and empathy.

#Awesome but I wanted a FANTASY story thing. So--

Me: please expand the fantasy elements

ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a possible expansion of the fantasy elements in the plot arc:

Act 1: The Encounter

The two soldiers come from rival kingdoms that have been at war for generations. Their kingdoms are both ruled by powerful wizards who have been battling for control of the magical realm that lies at the heart of their world. The soldiers are both warriors in the wizard's armies, trained in the art of sword fighting and spell casting. As they take shelter at the inn, they discover that the blizzard is not a natural occurrence, but rather a result of a powerful spell cast by one of the wizards to weaken the other's army. The soldiers find themselves caught in the middle of a magical battle, but as they talk, they realize that they both share a deep love for their families and homes. They begin to see each other not as soldiers of an enemy kingdom, but as fellow human beings who want peace.

Act 2: The Attack

In the middle of the night, the inn is attacked by a group of magical creatures summoned by the opposing wizard to find the deserters. The soldiers are forced to fight side by side to defend themselves against the creatures. As they battle, they learn that they have more in common than they ever thought possible. The soldiers realize that their fighting skills complement each other, and they are able to work together to defeat the creatures. In the aftermath, the soldiers realize that they are much stronger together than they ever were alone.

Act 3: The Decision

After the attack, the soldiers are left with a choice. They can continue to fight for their wizards and risk their lives in a never-ending war, or they can choose to leave their kingdoms behind and forge a new path. They decide to leave the army and become adventurers, using their skills to help others in need. They journey through the magical realm, encountering new creatures and overcoming new challenges. Along the way, they learn that there is more to life than war, and that they have the power to make a difference in the world.

Throughout the story, the soldiers encounter various magical elements, such as the blizzard spell and the magical creatures summoned by the wizards. The idea of magical realms and wizards adds an extra layer of fantasy to the story, highlighting the themes of humanization and reconciliation in a unique and imaginative way.

#Ok, but what if I'm not interested in doing any characterization? And yes, I say please. I've seen Terminator.

me: please provide each soldier's characterization and background

ChatGPT: Sure! Here are some possible characterizations and backgrounds for each soldier:

Soldier 1:

Name: Kael

Background: Kael is a young soldier from the kingdom of Tarenth, a land of rolling hills and verdant forests. Kael's family has lived in Tarenth for generations, and they have always been proud defenders of the kingdom. Kael grew up learning to sword fight and cast spells, and he is a skilled warrior. Kael is dedicated to the cause of defending Tarenth, and he believes that his kingdom's wizards are the rightful rulers of the magical realm. He has always seen soldiers from other kingdoms as enemies, and he is initially suspicious of the soldier he meets at the inn.

Characterization: Kael is a proud and loyal soldier who is fiercely dedicated to his kingdom. He is serious and determined, but he also has a sense of humor and a soft spot for his family. Kael is not used to questioning his beliefs, and he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to Tarenth with his growing affection for the other soldier.

Soldier 2:

Name: Lirien

Background: Lirien is a soldier from the kingdom of Aradil, a land of glittering oceans and soaring mountains. Lirien's family has always been seafarers, and Lirien grew up learning to sail and navigate the treacherous waters around Aradil. Lirien joined the army to defend Aradil against Tarenth, but as the war dragged on, Lirien began to question the wisdom of fighting. Lirien believes that the wizards of Aradil are causing more harm than good, and that there must be a better way to solve the conflict.

Characterization: Lirien is a compassionate and introspective soldier who is troubled by the violence of war. Lirien has a deep love for the sea and for nature, and is often quiet and thoughtful. Lirien is initially guarded around Kael, but begins to open up as they spend more time together. Lirien is torn between the desire to do what is right and the fear of betraying one's own kingdom.

As the story progresses, Kael and Lirien's backgrounds and characterizations will evolve, as they confront new challenges and work to reconcile their differences. They will have to grapple with the weight of their respective loyalties, and ultimately decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of peace.

# Rerolling, your friend. If I was going to actually make something of this I would probably reroll everything 5 times and kludge things together

may I have another version?

Sure! Here's another possible characterization and background for each soldier:

Soldier 1:

Name: Aria

Background: Aria is a soldier from the kingdom of Eldoria, a land of lush forests and ancient ruins. Aria comes from a family of warriors who have served the kingdom for generations, and she has always felt the weight of her family's expectations on her shoulders. Aria is a skilled archer and a master of stealth, and she has used her skills to become one of Eldoria's most valuable soldiers. Aria is fiercely dedicated to her kingdom and her duty, and she believes that Eldoria's wizards are the rightful leaders of the magical realm.

Characterization: Aria is a disciplined and focused soldier who values duty and honor above all else. She is unyielding in her loyalty to Eldoria and is initially dismissive of the other soldier she meets at the inn. Aria has a deep respect for tradition and is often guarded around new people. However, as she spends more time with the other soldier, she begins to question her assumptions and learns to see beyond the boundaries of her kingdom.

Soldier 2:

Name: Riven

Background: Riven is a soldier from the kingdom of Caerleon, a land of rugged mountains and treacherous valleys. Riven comes from a long line of mercenaries and has been fighting for as long as they can remember. Riven is a master of close combat and is not afraid to get up close and personal with the enemy. Riven believes that the wizards of Caerleon are the only ones who can lead the magical realm, and that it is their duty to defend the kingdom at all costs.

Characterization: Riven is a brash and confident soldier who has a reputation for being reckless. They are fiercely loyal to Caerleon and can be quick to anger when their kingdom is threatened. Riven often acts first and thinks later, and can be a bit of a hothead. However, as Riven spends time with the other soldier, they begin to realize that there is more to life than fighting and begin to question the wisdom of their own beliefs.

As the story progresses, Aria and Riven's backgrounds and characterizations will evolve, as they confront new challenges and work to reconcile their differences. They will have to grapple with the weight of their respective loyalties, and ultimately decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of peace.


# So that is where I got curious about what it could do with a screenplay. If you just ask for a screenplay, it seems to default to a three act structure, but it seems to do OK if you specify something. I just went with Save the Cat since it’s popular:

Me: may I get a save the cat outline of the plot arc
Chatty; Sure! Here's a possible "Save the Cat" outline for the plot arc of the short fantasy story:

Act 1:

Opening Image: Aria and Riven, two soldiers from enemy kingdoms, find themselves at the same inn during a blizzard. They eye each other warily but decide to tolerate each other's presence.

Theme Stated: Aria and Riven discuss their respective kingdoms and the reasons for the war. They both express their loyalty to their own kingdom and their belief in the righteousness of their cause.

Set-Up: Aria and Riven share a meal and exchange stories of their past. They begin to see each other as human beings rather than enemies. Aria shares her love for nature, while Riven expresses his admiration for Caerleon's warriors.

Catalyst: The innkeeper tells Aria and Riven that they will have to share a room due to the blizzard. They are both uneasy about this but have no other choice.

Act 2:

Debate: Aria and Riven are stuck in the same room, and tensions rise. They argue about their kingdoms and their differences, but eventually find common ground in their shared experiences as soldiers.

Break into Two: Aria and Riven are forced to work together to survive the blizzard. They must venture out into the storm to gather firewood and food.

B Story: As Aria and Riven work together, they begin to share more personal stories and learn about each other's lives outside of the army.

Fun and Games: Aria and Riven find themselves in a snowball fight, and they both let down their guards and begin to enjoy each other's company.

Midpoint: Aria and Riven stumble upon a group of travelers who are in danger from the blizzard. They realize that they must put their differences aside to help these people.

Act 3:

Bad Guys Close In: Aria and Riven are caught in a trap set by enemy soldiers, who recognize them as enemies. They must fight their way out and protect the travelers.

All is Lost: Aria and Riven are separated from the travelers and are lost in the blizzard. They realize that they have put themselves in danger by working together, and their loyalty to their respective kingdoms is called into question.

Dark Night of the Soul: Aria and Riven have a heart-to-heart conversation about the futility of war and the toll it takes on soldiers. They realize that they have more in common than they thought and that they must find a way to end the war.

Break into Three: Aria and Riven come up with a plan to sneak into their respective kingdoms and talk to their leaders about a ceasefire.

Finale: Aria and Riven convince their respective leaders to meet and negotiate a ceasefire. They realize that peace is possible and that soldiers from different kingdoms can work together to achieve it.

Final Image: Aria and Riven part ways, but not before exchanging a nod of respect and acknowledging the bond they have formed. They head back to their respective kingdoms, hopeful for a better future.

#Another reroll of the same:

Certainly, here's a more detailed "Save the Cat" outline for the short fantasy story:

Opening:

Aria, a warrior from the kingdom of Arden, and Riven, a soldier from the neighboring kingdom of Eldora, find themselves stuck at an inn during a fierce blizzard. Aria is skeptical of Riven, knowing him only as an enemy soldier, while Riven is stoic and reserved.

Act 1:

Setup: Aria and Riven reluctantly share a meal at the inn, where they begin to reveal their personal stories and motivations. Aria talks about her family and how the war has devastated her kingdom, while Riven opens up about his own struggles as a soldier.

Theme Stated: Aria and Riven discuss the cost of war and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians. They talk about the people they've lost and the senselessness of the conflict.

Catalyst: The storm intensifies and the innkeeper informs Aria and Riven that they will have to share a room. They both grudgingly agree, realizing they have no other choice but to tolerate each other's presence.

Act 2:

Debate: Aria and Riven argue about their respective kingdoms and the reasons behind the war. They each see the other as the enemy and believe that their own kingdom is justified in the conflict.

Break into Two: Aria and Riven stumble upon a group of travelers in danger and must put aside their differences to protect them. They use their skills as soldiers to help the travelers survive the storm and fend off attacks from enemy soldiers.

B Story: As they work together to protect the travelers, Aria and Riven begin to see each other as human beings and form a bond despite their differences. They talk about their hopes and fears, and share stories about their families and friends.

Fun and Games: Aria and Riven use their skills as soldiers to overcome various obstacles and protect the travelers. They develop a camaraderie as they work together to fend off danger and keep the travelers safe.

Act 3:

Midpoint: Aria and Riven are caught in a trap set by enemy soldiers, forcing them to work together to escape. They use their ingenuity and teamwork to fight their way out and save each other's lives.

Bad Guys Close In: Aria and Riven face a moral dilemma when they have to decide whether to leave the travelers behind or risk their own safety to save them. They choose to save the travelers, knowing it will put them in even greater danger.

All is Lost: Aria and Riven are separated from the travelers and face the possibility of dying in the blizzard. They are lost and disoriented, and have a moment of despair where they realize the futility of their situation.

Act 4:

Dark Night of the Soul: Aria and Riven have a heart-to-heart conversation about the futility of war and the importance of finding common ground. They reflect on their experiences as soldiers and the toll it has taken on their lives.

Break into Three: Aria and Riven come up with a plan to sneak into their respective kingdoms and convince their leaders to negotiate a ceasefire. They realize that they can make a difference and that their bond can be a catalyst for change.

Finale: Aria and Riven successfully broker a ceasefire and part ways, acknowledging the bond they have formed. They exchange a nod of respect and head back to their respective kingdoms, hopeful for a better future and the possibility of peace.

Closing:

Final Image: Aria and Riven arrive back in their kingdoms, each realizing that the other is not the enemy they once thought. They look towards a brighter future, one where they can coexist

# Bonus 1: Trying other other formats and the results varied. Turn and Burn didn’t turn out as well, I think because it’s not as popular so there’s probably fewer examples to learn from:

Me: can you use the turn and burn format?

Chatson: Sure, here's a possible "Turn and Burn" format for the plot arc of the short fantasy story:

Opening:

Aria and Riven, soldiers from enemy kingdoms, meet at an inn during a blizzard.

Act 1:

Turn 1: Aria and Riven share a meal and begin to see each other as human beings.

Turn 2: Aria and Riven argue about their respective kingdoms and their differences.

Turn 3: Aria and Riven are forced to work together to survive the blizzard.

Act 2:

Turn 4: Aria and Riven stumble upon a group of travelers in danger.

Turn 5: Aria and Riven are caught in a trap set by enemy soldiers.

Turn 6: Aria and Riven have a heart-to-heart conversation about the futility of war.

Act 3:

Turn 7: Aria and Riven come up with a plan to sneak into their respective kingdoms and talk to their leaders.

Turn 8: Aria and Riven convince their leaders to negotiate a ceasefire.

Turn 9: Aria and Riven part ways, acknowledging the bond they have formed.

Closing:

Aria and Riven head back to their respective kingdoms, hopeful for a better future.


#It seems to do better with more popular formats- here's Hero's Journey. Also, I had to take a bit of a break and ChatGPT tends to 'forget' things as they age. So this one is less detailed, though you can ask it to expand detail, or a particular detail if you'd like.

Me: can you use hero's journey
ChatGPT: Sure, here's a possible Hero's Journey outline for the plot arc of the short fantasy story:

Act 1: Departure

Call to Adventure: Aria and Riven find themselves stuck at an inn during a blizzard and must tolerate each other's presence.

Refusal of the Call: Aria and Riven argue about their respective kingdoms and their differences.

Meeting the Mentor: The innkeeper tells Aria and Riven they will have to share a room, forcing them to work together.

Crossing the Threshold: Aria and Riven venture out into the storm to gather firewood and food.

Act 2: Initiation

Tests, Allies, Enemies: Aria and Riven stumble upon a group of travelers in danger and must fight enemy soldiers who recognize them as enemies.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: Aria and Riven are separated from the travelers and are lost in the blizzard, putting their loyalty to their kingdoms into question.

Ordeal: Aria and Riven have a heart-to-heart conversation about the futility of war and their shared experiences as soldiers.

Reward: Aria and Riven come up with a plan to sneak into their respective kingdoms and talk to their leaders about a ceasefire.

Act 3: Return

The Road Back: Aria and Riven convince their respective leaders to meet and negotiate a ceasefire.

Resurrection: Aria and Riven successfully broker a ceasefire and realize that peace is possible.

Return with the Elixir: Aria and Riven part ways, but not before exchanging a nod of respect and acknowledging the bond they have formed. They head back to their respective kingdoms, hopeful for a better future.

# So it’s doable I personally think and this is from a fairly broad, fairly trite plot line. Honestly it’s surprisingly good from a production stand-point, fantasy but not so big it’s going to be expensive as all hell, good human elements. I did like how in the short story it looked like it was turning into a queer love story, which didn’t come out in the screenplays. There’s still a need to rewrite and tighten up things, but this took all of 30 minutes- I actually spent longer writing this up. Again if I were going to try to actually use this I would pick a format and reroll multiple times and pick and choose the elements I like, then rewrite the whole thing.

Bonus 2: Quick Biopic

# Making sure we’re talking about the correct Catherine the Great (probably not needed here, but with more obscure figures it’s probably good to check.)

Me: who is catherine the great?

Chatsford: Catherine the Great (1729-1796) was Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Born in Stettin, Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland) as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, she married the future Tsar Peter III of Russia and became Empress after he was overthrown in a coup d'état.

Catherine is known for her political and cultural accomplishments during her reign, including her efforts to modernize and westernize Russia, her expansion of the empire's borders through military conquests, and her patronage of the arts and education. She established the first state-financed public education system in Europe, commissioned the building of the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and corresponded with many of the Enlightenment's leading thinkers, such as Voltaire and Diderot. Catherine was also notorious for her personal life, which included a number of affairs and scandals.

#Now for the screenplay, and let's see how it does when you get a bit weirder on the structure (a Russian Structure for a Czarina seemed appropriate):

Me: Can you make a screenplay of her life using FABULA/SYUZHET structure?

ChatGrandPrix: Sure, here's a screenplay for Catherine the Great's life using the fabula/syuzhet structure:

Title: Catherine the Great

Logline: From a Prussian princess to the powerful Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great defied expectations and left her mark on history.

FADE IN:

FABULA:

Act 1: Catherine's Early Life and Marriage

Young Sophie is introduced to the Russian court as a potential bride for the future Tsar Peter III

Sophie converts to Orthodox Christianity and changes her name to Catherine upon her marriage to Peter

Catherine struggles in her marriage to the immature and unpopular Peter, who alienates the military and nobility

Act 2: Catherine's Rise to Power

Catherine's coup against Peter succeeds with the support of the military and nobility

Catherine becomes Empress and embarks on a series of military campaigns to expand the Russian Empire

Catherine's personal life is scandalized by her relationships with younger men, including her most famous lover, Grigory Potemkin

Act 3: Catherine's Legacy

Catherine works to modernize Russia, including implementing reforms to the legal system and promoting education

Catherine's patronage of the arts leads to the creation of the Hermitage Museum and other cultural institutions

Catherine's reign ends with a failed uprising led by her son, Paul, but her accomplishments leave a lasting impact on Russia and beyond

SYUZHET:

Opening Scene:
We see a young Sophie arriving in Russia, nervous and uncertain about her future as a potential bride for the future Tsar. She is introduced to the court and begins to learn about Russian culture and politics.

Act 1:
Catherine struggles to adapt to her new life as Peter's wife. He is immature and unpopular, and Catherine struggles to gain acceptance from the military and nobility. She begins to educate herself about politics and forms relationships with influential figures, including Grigory Orlov.

Midpoint:
Catherine begins to plan her coup against Peter, enlisting the support of the military and nobility. She takes a risk by reaching out to Grigory Potemkin, who becomes her most trusted ally and lover.

Act 2:

Catherine's coup is successful, and she becomes Empress of Russia. She embarks on a series of military campaigns to expand the empire's borders, including the annexation of Crimea. Meanwhile, her relationship with Potemkin deepens, and she becomes known for her scandalous personal life.

Midpoint:
Catherine works to modernize Russia, including implementing reforms to the legal system and promoting education. She also becomes a patron of the arts and commissions the building of the Hermitage Museum.

Act 3:

Catherine's reign is threatened by a failed uprising led by her son, Paul. She is forced to confront the possibility of losing power, but ultimately prevails. She dies in 1796, leaving behind a legacy of modernization, expansion, and cultural achievement.

Closing Scene:
We see a statue of Catherine in modern-day St. Petersburg, a reminder of her enduring impact on Russia and the world.

FADE OUT.

# Last one:

Me: Can you make one with multiple timelines?

Chat_Overlord: Sure, here's a screenplay for Catherine the Great's life using multiple timelines:

Title: Catherine the Great

Logline: The extraordinary life of Catherine the Great is told through multiple timelines, revealing the triumphs and scandals of her reign.

FADE IN:
Timeline 1: Catherine's Early Life and Marriage

Young Sophie is introduced to the Russian court as a potential bride for the future Tsar Peter III
Sophie converts to Orthodox Christianity and changes her name to Catherine upon her marriage to Peter
Catherine struggles in her marriage to the immature and unpopular Peter, who alienates the military and nobility

Timeline 2: Catherine's Coup and Rise to Power

Catherine's coup against Peter succeeds with the support of the military and nobility
Catherine becomes Empress and embarks on a series of military campaigns to expand the Russian Empire
Catherine's personal life is scandalized by her relationships with younger men, including her most famous lover, Grigory Potemkin

Timeline 3: Catherine's Legacy

Catherine works to modernize Russia, including implementing reforms to the legal system and promoting education
Catherine's patronage of the arts leads to the creation of the Hermitage Museum and other cultural institutions
Catherine's reign ends with a failed uprising led by her son, Paul, but her accomplishments leave a lasting impact on Russia and beyond

SYUZHET:
Opening Scene:
We see an elderly Catherine reflecting on her life, as memories from each timeline intercut with each other.

Timeline 1:
Catherine navigates the challenges of her marriage to Peter, including his immaturity and unpopularity. She begins to educate herself about politics and forms relationships with influential figures, including Grigory Orlov.

Timeline 2:
Catherine plans her coup against Peter and enlists the support of the military and nobility. She takes a risk by reaching out to Grigory Potemkin, who becomes her most trusted ally and lover.

Timeline 3:
Catherine works to modernize Russia and promote education and culture, while also managing the scandals of her personal life. She faces opposition from her son, Paul, who seeks to overthrow her.

Midpoint:
The timelines begin to converge, as Catherine's coup against Peter is successful and she becomes Empress. She embarks on a series of military campaigns and forms a close partnership with Potemkin, while also facing challenges from her personal life and political rivals.

Closing Scene:
The timelines merge completely, as we see Catherine reflecting on her legacy as Empress of Russia. We see images of the Hermitage Museum and other cultural achievements, as well as the military conquests that expanded the empire's borders. We also see glimpses of Catherine's personal life, including her relationships with Potemkin and other younger men.

FADE OUT.