Editing Research/Fiction Writing/Story Beats Prompts (section)

== 3. Macro structure audit prompt ==
<pre>
Audit the manuscript against macro story beats. Do not force a formula; use this as a diagnostic map.

Identify and evaluate:
1. Opening Image / opening state
2. Theme stated or thematic pressure
3. Setup of protagonist, world, want, lack, and stakes
4. Inciting Incident / Catalyst
5. Debate / refusal / hesitation
6. First Plot Point / Break into Act II / threshold choice
7. B Story or relationship/theme carrier
8. Promise-of-the-premise section / early tests
9. Midpoint: false victory, false defeat, revelation, or role shift
10. Rising complications / antagonist adaptation / bad guys close in
11. All Is Lost / ordeal / worst consequence so far
12. Dark Night / synthesis / internal realization
13. Break into Act III / final plan
14. Climax: irreversible choice/action under maximum pressure
15. Resolution and consequences
16. Final Image / transformed mirror of opening

For each beat, return:
- Present? YES/NO/PARTIAL
- Where it appears
- What changes
- Why it works or fails
- Revision recommendation

Also include:
- Missing or duplicated beats
- Beats that occur too early or too late
- Beats where protagonist agency is weak
- Payoffs that lack setup
- Setups that lack payoff

Manuscript/synopsis/beat inventory:
[PASTE TEXT]
</pre>
---