7.4 KiB
Analyze Text Workflow
Purpose
Perform deep literary analysis on uploaded texts to extract techniques, patterns, and insights that can be applied to your own writing.
When to Use
- Studying a published novel you admire
- Analyzing a bestseller in your genre
- Learning from a particular author's style
- Understanding why a book works (or doesn't)
- Building your technique library
- Comparing your draft to published work
Prerequisites
- Text file to analyze (.txt, .md, .docx, or .pdf)
- At least 1,000 words (ideally a full chapter or more)
Workflow Steps
Step 1: Upload Text
You'll be prompted to upload the text file you want analyzed.
Supported formats:
- Plain text (.txt)
- Markdown (.md)
- Word documents (.docx)
- PDF (text-based, not scanned images)
Optimal length:
- Single chapter: 2,000-5,000 words
- Multiple chapters: 10,000-25,000 words
- Full novel: Any length (analysis will focus on key sections)
Step 2: Select Analysis Type
Choose the depth and focus of analysis:
Full Analysis (15-20 minutes)
Complete analysis across all dimensions:
- Structural breakdown
- Character analysis
- Prose metrics
- Technique extraction
- Genre comparison
Best for: Learning comprehensively from a text
Structural Only (8-10 minutes)
Focus on:
- Plot points and act structure
- Pacing analysis
- Chapter organization
- Scene sequencing
Best for: Understanding story architecture
Character Focus (8-10 minutes)
Focus on:
- Character arcs
- Characterization techniques
- Dialogue and voice
- Relationship dynamics
Best for: Learning character development
Prose Analysis (8-10 minutes)
Focus on:
- Sentence structure and variety
- Word choice patterns
- Figurative language
- Rhythm and flow
- Show vs tell balance
Best for: Improving prose craft
Quick Overview (5 minutes)
High-level assessment:
- Genre identification
- Major strengths
- Key techniques worth studying
- Overall impressions
Best for: Deciding if you want full analysis later
Step 3: Perform Analysis
The Librarian will analyze the text according to your chosen type, following the systematic protocol in the instructions document.
What happens:
- Text is read and annotated
- Patterns are identified
- Examples are quoted
- Metrics are calculated
- Comparisons are made to genre conventions
Step 4: Extract Techniques
Specific techniques are identified and documented:
- What the technique is
- How it's used in this text
- Why it works
- When to use it
- How to apply it to your work
Step 5: Generate Recommendations
You'll receive:
- Top learnings: 3-5 key takeaways
- Application suggestions: How to use these in your novel
- Practice exercises: Ways to develop these skills
- Further study: Related techniques to explore
Step 6: Save Results
The complete analysis is saved to:
_bmad/_memory/librarian-sidecar/knowledge/analyzed-texts/{title}-analysis.md
Extracted techniques are also cataloged in the technique patterns library for future reference.
Step 7: Next Steps
You'll be offered options:
- Apply to your novel: Use these techniques in your current project
- Compare texts: Analyze another text and compare approaches
- Generate exercises: Practice the techniques you learned
- Deep dive: Explore a specific technique in more detail
- Archive: Simply save for future reference
Output Examples
Structural Analysis Output
## Plot Structure Analysis
**Inciting Incident** (12%, p. 23)
Protagonist discovers the letter that changes everything.
*Technique*: Delayed inciting incident allows character establishment first.
**First Plot Point** (27%, p. 51)
Decision to investigate despite warnings.
*Technique*: Active choice by protagonist (agency, not passive reaction).
**Midpoint** (48%, p. 97)
False victory - thinks mystery is solved, but discovers deeper conspiracy.
*Technique*: Midpoint reversal that raises stakes and changes direction.
**All Is Lost** (76%, p. 152)
Ally betrayal + evidence destroyed + deadline missed.
*Technique*: Triple-layered disaster for maximum impact.
**Climax** (91%, p. 182)
Confrontation where truth revealed through character strength, not luck.
*Technique*: Resolution emerging from character arc (internal + external climax).
Character Analysis Output
## Protagonist: Sarah Chen
**Want**: Solve the murder to restore her reputation
**Need**: Learn to trust others and accept help
**Flaw**: Hyper-independence stemming from childhood abandonment
**Arc**: Closed/growth arc (changes by accepting partnership)
**Characterization Techniques:**
1. *Action before description*: First appearance shows her solving a puzzle, establishing competence before physical details
2. *Contradictions*: Brilliant detective + messy personal life = dimensional character
3. *Dialogue voice*: Clipped sentences, technical jargon, humor as deflection
4. *Internal conflict*: Constant tension between wanting to go alone vs needing help
**Application**: Notice how author establishes competence first, flaws second - creates respect before sympathy.
Prose Analysis Output
## Sentence Metrics
- Average sentence length: 14.2 words
- Range: 3-38 words
- Variety: High (simple, compound, complex well-balanced)
## Dialogue Ratio
- 42% dialogue, 58% narrative
- Attribution: 70% action beats, 30% "said" tags
- Subtext frequency: High (characters rarely say what they mean directly)
## Show vs Tell
- Estimated 75% showing, 25% telling
- Telling used for: transitions, backstory, time passage
- Showing used for: character emotion, relationship dynamics, key reveals
## Application Insights
1. Sentence variety creates rhythm (short for impact, long for complexity)
2. Heavy action-beat attribution keeps scenes visual and kinetic
3. Telling isn't bad - it's used strategically for efficiency
Tips for Better Results
Before Upload
- Choose the right sample: Full chapters work better than fragments
- Quality matters: Published, edited work gives clearer technique signals
- Know your goal: What specifically do you want to learn?
During Analysis
- Be patient: Quality analysis takes time
- Ask questions: If something is unclear, request elaboration
- Request examples: Ask for specific quotes demonstrating techniques
After Analysis
- Apply immediately: Try one technique in your current chapter
- Build incrementally: Master one technique before adding another
- Revisit: Analysis reports deepen with multiple readings
Common Questions
Q: Can I analyze my own work? A: Yes! The Editor agent is better for critique, but Librarian can analyze your techniques objectively.
Q: How many texts should I analyze? A: Quality over quantity. Deep analysis of 5-10 texts in your genre > superficial analysis of 50.
Q: Can I compare two different books? A: Yes! Use the "Compare texts" menu option for side-by-side analysis.
Q: What if the text is in another language? A: Currently English only. Translation quality would affect analysis accuracy.
Q: Can I analyze short stories or novellas? A: Absolutely. Shorter works can reveal technique more clearly.
Related Workflows
- Compare Texts: Side-by-side analysis of two texts
- Extract Techniques: Deep dive on a specific technique
- Genre Analysis: Build your genre convention database
- Apply to Novel: Use analyzed techniques in your work
Remember: Analysis is not about copying - it's about understanding craft principles you can apply in your own voice.