Generation Modes
PlotCraft offers three distinct generation modes, each suited for different use cases. Understanding when to use each mode will help you get the best results for your stories.
Express Mode ⚡
The fastest way to generate a story. Express Mode uses a single AI call without the multi-agent collaboration process.
| Speed | ~30 seconds |
| Cost | Lowest (single model call) |
| Quality | Good for drafts and iteration |
When to Use Express Mode
- Testing a new story idea quickly
- Generating multiple variations to compare
- When you plan to heavily edit the output
- Budget-conscious generation
- Short-form content (flash fiction, vignettes)
Limitations
- No agent collaboration or revision
- May miss pacing or coherence issues
- Less suited for complex narratives
Standard Mode ⭐
The recommended mode for most stories. Three specialized agents—Writer, Reader, and Expert—collaborate through multiple drafts to refine your story.
| Speed | 3-10 minutes |
| Cost | Moderate (multiple agent exchanges) |
| Quality | High quality with revisions |
How It Works
- Writer creates an initial draft based on your prompt
- Reader reviews for pacing, coherence, and engagement
- Writer revises based on feedback
- Expert provides final review and approves the story
You can watch this collaboration unfold in real-time through the conversation panel. The agents discuss what works, what needs improvement, and how to enhance the narrative.
When to Use Standard Mode
- Quality matters more than speed
- Complex plots or character development
- Stories you plan to share or publish
- When you want to see the creative process
- Longer-form content (novelettes, multi-chapter)
Story Architect Mode 🎯
The most thorough mode for complex stories. Before generation begins, you chat with an Editor agent to develop a detailed creative brief.
| Speed | 10-20 minutes (including planning) |
| Cost | Highest (planning + generation) |
| Quality | Maximum control and customization |
How It Works
- Planning Phase: Chat with the Editor about your vision
- Brief Creation: Editor compiles a detailed creative brief
- Generation Phase: Agents use the brief for Standard Mode generation
- Refinement: Story follows your specifications precisely
What the Editor Asks About
- Narrative voice and perspective preferences
- Character details and relationships
- World-building elements to include or avoid
- Tone, themes, and emotional beats
- Specific scenes or moments you want
- Things to definitely avoid
When to Use Story Architect Mode
- You have very specific requirements
- Creating a series with continuity
- Complex world-building needs
- You're not sure how to articulate your vision
- Maximum quality is the priority
Mode Comparison
| Aspect | Express | Standard | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | ~30 sec | 3-10 min | 10-20 min |
| Agent Collaboration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-planning | No | No | Yes |
| Revisions | None | Multiple | Multiple |
| Best For | Drafts | Quality stories | Complex projects |
Tips for Better Results
For All Modes
- Be specific in your prompt—details help the agents understand your vision
- Mention the tone you want (dark, humorous, suspenseful)
- Include any must-have elements upfront
For Standard Mode
- Let the agents complete their full collaboration cycle
- The Reader often catches issues the Writer missed
- Trust the process—multiple drafts improve quality
For Architect Mode
- Take time with the Editor to clarify your vision
- The more detail you provide, the better the brief
- Review the brief before generation begins