How To Prompt Engineer a Story

Using AI to write a compelling story requires an understanding of how to craft effective prompts. At the heart of any great narrative lie the core elements: character, conflict, and setting. The way you structure these elements in your prompts can significantly influence the AI's ability to generate a coherent and engaging story.

Begin by introducing your character. Clearly define their identity, unique traits, and circumstances. This sets the foundation for who your story revolves around. The next element is conflict, which serves as the driving force of the narrative. Present your character with an obstacle to overcome, creating tension and intrigue. Lastly, incorporate a vivid setting that challenges your character and enriches the plot.

When crafting your prompts, specificity is key. Be clear about the story elements you want to explore to guide the AI effectively. Here’s a list of prompt formats based on Virgil's card game process to help you get started, along with Midjourney AI prompts to inspire imagery: